Facile Preparation of Chitin/Cellulose Composite Films Using Ionic Liquids

In this study, we performed the facile preparation of chitin/cellulose composite films using two ionic liquids, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (AMIMBr) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl); the former dissolves chitin and the latter dissolves cellulose. First, solutions of chitin in AMIMBr and cellulose in BMIMCl were individually prepared by heating each mixture at 100 °C for 24 h. Then, the homogeneous mixture of the two solutions was thinly casted on a glass plate, followed by standing at room temperature for 2 h. After the material was subjected to successive Soxhlet extractions with ethanol for 12 h and with water for 12 h, the residue was dried at room temperature to give a composite film. The crystalline structures of the polysaccharides were evaluated by the X-ray diffraction measurement. Furthermore, the thermal stability and mechanical property of the resulting composite film were estimated by the thermal gravimetric analysis measurement and tensile testing, respectively.     

Preparation of Cellulose/Xanthan Gum Composite Films and Hydrogels Using Ionic Liquid

This paper reports the preparation of cellulose/xanthan gum composite films and hydrogels through gelation with an ionic liquid. Mixtures of cellulose and xanthan gum in desired weight ratios with an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl), were thinly placed on a Petri dish and heated at 100 °C for 9 h to obtain the solutions. Then, the solutions were left standing at room temperature for 1 day for the progress of gelation. The resulting ion gels were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with ethanol to remove BMIMCl, followed by drying under ambient conditions to obtain the composite films. The crystalline structures of the polysaccharides and the mechanical properties were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction measurement and tensile testing of the films, respectively. The ion gels in various cellulose/xanthan gum weight ratios, which were prepared in a test tube by the same procedure, were immersed in water for the exchange of disperse media to obtain the cellulose/xanthan gum composite hydrogels. Water contents of all the materials were higher than 90 %. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were evaluated by compressive testing.     

改性聚丙烯生物填料的制备与应用

对传统聚丙烯生物填料（简称普通填料）进行改性,考察了改性聚丙烯生物填料（简称改性填料）用于模拟废水生物处理的效果。实验结果表明,改性填料比普通填料具有更高的废水处理效率和更大的挂膜量,并能承受更高的气液比（体积比）及气流和水流的冲击。将模拟废水的COD（500mg／L）完全去除,用改性填料时需10.5h,而用普通填料时则需22．5h;在连续运行模式下,改性填料在气液比为40：1时可使废水COD的去除率最高（99％）,而普通填料则在气液比为30：1时可使废水COD的去除率最高（79％）。     

锰锌铁氧体/SiO_2复合磁性材料的制备和表征

以正硅酸乙酯(TEOS)作为包覆材料,对锰锌铁氧体纳米颗粒进行SiO2包覆,制备出锰锌铁氧体/SiO_2复合磁性材料。利用FTIR,XRD,SEM等技术对其进行了表征,并研究了其对模拟亚甲基蓝废水的吸附脱色效果。实验结果表明:当SiO_2质量分数为40%1时,采用先将锰锌铁氧体在柠檬酸溶液中搅拌分散3 h后,加人氨水调节溶液pH,再继续搅拌分散3 h的分段分散方法制备的复合磁性材料对亚甲基蓝废水的处理效果更好,处理亚甲基蓝质量浓度为50 mg/L、COD为160 mg/L的废水,废水脱色率为97.2%,COD去除率为19.3%。表征结果显示:复合磁性材料锰锌铁氧体/SiO_2为球形颗粒,平均粒径为100 nm;SiO_2包覆前后锰锌铁氧体的晶型均为尖晶石型结构,在复合磁性材料中SiO_2以无定型的形态存在。     

Preparation, Thermal Properties and Thermal Reliability of Form-Stable Paraffin/Polypropylene Composite for Thermal Energy Storage

This study is focused on the preparation, characterization, and determination of thermal properties and thermal reliability of paraffin/polypropylene (PP) composite as a novel form-stable phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage applications. In the composite, paraffin acts as a PCM when PP is operated as supporting material. The composites prepared at different mass fractions of paraffin (50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 w/w%) by solution casting method were subjected to leakage test by heating the composites over the melting temperature of the PCM. The paraffin/PP composite (70/30 w/w%) is found as the maximum paraffin containing composite and was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optic microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. DSC analysis indicated that the form-stable paraffin/PP composite melts at 44.77–45.52 °C and crystallizes at 53.55–54.80 °C. It has latent heats of 136.16 and −136.59 J/g for melting and crystallization, respectively. These thermal properties make it potential PCM for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) purposes such as solar space heating applications. Accelerated thermal cycling tests indicated that the form-stable PCM had good thermal reliability. TGA also showed that the form-stable PCM degrades in two distinguishable steps and had good chemical stability.     

Natural Weathering of Polypropylene and Waste Tire Dust (PP/WTD) Blends

Three series of polypropylene and waste tire dust (PP/WTD) blends using three different WTD sizes were prepared, compression-molded and cut into dumbbells. The specimens were exposed to natural weathering in the northern part of Malaysia for a period of 6 months. The results show that at the same blend composition, blends with fine WTD size exhibit higher mechanical properties than that of blends with coarse WTD after exposure to natural weathering. Regardless of WTD size, the retention of tensile strength and elongation at break, E_b increases with the increase in WTD content. From the exposed surface morphology, it is apparent that the blends with fine WTD and WTD-rich blends were able to withstand weathering better than blends with coarse WTD and PP-rich blends. The DSC thermograms suggest that the overall drop in melting temperature (T_m) of the exposed blends decreases as the WTD content increases.     

Effect of Sequential Mixing and Compounding Conditions on Cellulose Acetate/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer, and organically modified clay with and without maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB-g-MA) as a compatibilizer. The effects of processing conditions such as mixing methods, pre-plasticizing times, extruder retention times (RT) and addition of compatibilizer on the performance of these nanocomposites have been evaluated. The cellulosic plastic with CA/TEC (80/20 wt%) was used as the polymer matrix for nanocomposite fabrication. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were measured and have been correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. From all of the sequential mixing methods used, powder–powder mixing leads to the most transparent nanocomposites. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites obtained using increased pre-plasticizing times and RT showed better exfoliated structures. In the system containing compatibilizer, the minimum retention time required for obtaining almost completely exfoliated hybrid nanocomposites was shorter than in the system without compatibilizer.     

Preparation and Characterization of Polyaniline and Ag/ Polyaniline Composite Nanoporous Particles and Their Antimicrobial Activities

Polyaniline (PANI) and Ag/PANI nanoporous composite were prepared by an oxidative polymerization method. The oxidation process of PANI nanoparticles was occurred using (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ while the oxidation process of Ag/PANI nanoporous composite was occurred using AgNO₃ under the effect of artificial radiation. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the PANI and Ag/PANI nanoporous structures were studied using different characterization tools. The results confirm the formation of polycrystalline nanoporous PANI and spherical nanoporous composite of Ag/PANI particles. Antibacterial activity tests against gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species were carried out using different concentrations of PANI nanoparticles and Ag/PANI nanoporous composites. PANI has not antibacterial effect against all studied pathogens. In contrast, Ag/PANI nanoporous composites possessed antibacterial activity that is identified by the zone of inhibition. The inhibition zones of bacteria are in order; Salmonella species?>?S. aureus?>?B. subtilis?>?E. coli. The inhibition zones of all bacteria increased with increasing concentrations of Ag/PANI nanoporous composites from 200 to 400 ppm then decreased with further increasing of the dose concentrations to 600 ppm. Finally, a simplified mechanism based on the electrostatic attraction is presented to describe the antimicrobial activity of Ag/PANI nanoporous composite.     

Preparation,Characterization and Properties of a Novel Electrospun Polyamide-6/ Chitosan/Graphene Oxide Composite Nanofiber

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Chitosan (CS) is a natural biopolymer that due to its excellent properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability is suitable for use in many...     

交联壳聚糖/沸石复合吸附剂的制备及性能

用沸石负载由缩水甘油基三乙基氯化铵交联的壳聚糖,制得了性能良好的交联壳聚糖/沸石复合吸附剂。研究了该吸附剂应用性能的影响因素,探讨了该吸附剂的吸附性、沉降性和重复使用性,利用FTIR仪和高倍透射电子显微镜对该吸附剂的结构进行了表征。实验结果表明:壳聚糖的交联度为0.93、交联壳聚糖与沸石的质量比为0.045时,制得的交联壳聚糖/沸石复合吸附剂对腐殖酸的去除率可达81.4%,吸附量为4.07mg/g;交联壳聚糖/沸石复合吸附剂对腐殖酸的吸附性能较沸石有显著提高,沉降时间较交联壳聚糖明显缩短;经二次洗脱后腐殖酸去除率仍可达80.2%,腐殖酸吸附量为4.01mg/g。     

Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films Prepared from Blends of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Cornstarch,and Lignocellulosic Fiber

Several composite blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and lignocellulosic fibers were prepared and characterized. Cohesive and flexible cast films were obtained by blending lignocellulosic fibers derived from orange waste and PVA with or without cornstarch. Films were evaluated for their thermal stability, water permeability and biodegradation properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the suitability of formulations for melt processing, and for application as mulch films in fields at much higher temperatures. Composite films were permeable to water, but at the same time able to maintain consistency and composition upon drying. Chemical crosslinking of starch, fiber and PVA, all hydroxyl functionalized polymers, by hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) improved water resistance in films. Films generally biodegraded within 30 days in soil, achieving between 50–80% mineralization. Both starch and lignocellulosic fiber degraded much more rapidly than PVA. Interestingly, addition of fiber to formulations enhanced the PVA degradation.     

Preparation and Characterization of Compatible and Degradable Thermoplastic Starch/Polyethylene Film

The degradability of the compatible thermoplastic starch/polyethylene film was investigated by weight loss percent (WLP), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The compatible film was prepared by using the particles of thermoplastic starch/polyethylene blends that were produced by one-step reactive extrusion. The weight of the film after degradation reduced more than 3% for 30 days and 4% for 60 days. The FTIR results revealed that both starch and polyethylene in the film exhibited varying degrees of degradation. SEM photographs of the films after degradation showed that starch particles in the film disintegrated into smaller particles or separated out of the film surface. Degradation studies demonstrated that the compatible thermoplastic starch/polyethylene film had increased degradability at the given degradable environment. The information implies that this film could be utilized as a degradable plastic.     

Mechanical Property Characterization of Plasticized Sugar Beet Pulp and Poly(Lactic Acid) Green Composites Using Acoustic Emission and Confocal Microscopy

Sorbitol and glycerol were used to plasticize sugar beet pulp-poly(lactic acid) green composites. The plasticizer was incorporated into sugar beet pulp (SBP) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% w/w at low temperature and shear and then compounded with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) using twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. The SBP:PLA ratio was maintained at 30:70. As expected, tensile strength decreased by 25% and the elongation increased. Acoustic emission (AE) showed correlated debonding and fracture mechanisms for up to 20% w/w plasticizer and uncorrelated debonding and fracture for 30–40% sorbitol and 30% glycerol content in SBP–PLA composites. All samples had a well dispersed SBP phase with some aggregation in the PLA matrix. However, at 40% glycerol plasticized SBP–PLA composites exhibited unique AE behavior and confocal microscopy revealed the plasticized SBP and PLA formed a co-continuous two phase system.

TiO2-Cu2O/蒙脱土复合光催化剂的制备与性能

以钠基蒙脱土（MMT）为载体,先采用溶胶-凝胶法将纳米TiO₂引入到MMT层间,再采用化学沉积法将纳米Cu₂O负载在TiO₂/MMT上,制备出TiO₂-Cu₂O/MMT纳米复合光催化剂。采用XRD、SEM、紫外-可见漫反射技术对催化剂进行了表征。以甲基橙为目标污染物,考察了催化剂的光催化性能。表征结果显示：TiO₂与Cu₂O均匀分布在MMT的表面与片层孔隙中;TiO₂-Cu₂O/MMT结合了TiO₂和Cu₂O的特性,拓宽了催化剂的光吸收范围。实验结果表明,在光源为可见光、初始甲基橙质量浓度为20 mg/L、光催化剂加入量为2 g/L的条件下,TiO₂-Cu₂O/MMT纳米复合光催化剂对甲基橙的光催化降解效果明显优于单一负载的Cu₂O/MMT和TiO₂/MMT,大幅提高了催化剂的光催化效率,反应300 min时TiO₂-Cu₂O/MMT对甲基橙溶液的脱色率达到93%。     

Biodegradability of Poly (lactic acid), Preparation and Characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic Blends

In this study, the biodegradation of PLA films using microorganisms from Lake Bogoria (Kenya) were investigated. The biodegradation tests done using certain strains of thermophilic bacteria showed faster biodegradation rates and demonstrated temperature dependency. The biodegradation of the PLA films was studied using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and light microscopy. The biodegradation of PLA was demonstrated by decrease in molecular weight. The preparation and characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic blends were also investigated using DSC, TGA, TMA and NMR. In summary, the results obtained in this research show that PLA films undergo fast biodegradation using thermophiles isolated from Lake Bogoria. The PLA/GA blends studies show it is possible to prepare films of varying hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties for various applications.     

纳米腐植酸基复合树脂的制备及其对Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的吸附

采用水溶液聚合法,以丙烯酸、丙烯酰胺及改性蒙脱土为原料,纳米腐植酸为基体,N,N’-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺为交联剂,过二硫酸钾为引发剂,制备了丙烯酸-蒙脱土-丙烯酰胺/纳米腐植酸复合树脂(简称复合树脂)。考察了溶液pH、吸附时间、吸附温度、初始离子浓度等因素对复合树脂分别吸附Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的影响。实验结果表明:在吸附温度35℃、吸附时间90 min、溶液pH为7、初始Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的浓度分别为0.02 mol/L、复合树脂加入量16.7 g/L的条件下,Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的吸附量分别为383.02 mg/g和359.27 mg/g;复合树脂吸附Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的吸附等温线均满足Langmuir等温吸附方程;吸附过程均符合准二级动力学方程;复合树脂重复使用6次,其对Ni~(2+)和Cd~(2+)的吸附量分别降低了17.1%和9.3%。     

海藻酸钠-聚乙烯醇-聚乙二醇复合膜的制备及其对Cu2+的吸附

采用聚乙烯醇（PVA）、聚乙二醇（PEG）对海藻酸钠（SA）进行改性,制备了一种新型高效SA-PVA-PEG复合膜。研究了该复合膜对Cu²⁺的吸附效果。用IR和SEM等手段对复合膜进行了表征。表征结果显示,复合膜内部存在孔状结构,有利于吸附Cu²⁺。实验结果表明：在初始Cu²⁺质量浓度50 mg/L、复合膜加入量1 g/L、废水pH=5、吸附温度30 ℃、吸附时间60 min的最佳条件下,吸附率最高可达90.1%,吸附量达25.3 mg/g;复合膜吸附Cu²⁺的动力学过程可用二级动力学方程和Elovice方程进行拟合,吸附过程符合Langmuir单层吸附理论。采用浓度为1 mol/L的HCl溶液对吸附后的复合膜进行解吸,当解吸时间为2 min时,解吸率可达80.0%。