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At least 361 records · Page 20

Facile synthesis and characterization of erythrocyte-like Y-doped PbWO{sub 4} mesocrystals and their photocatalytic activity

Novel erythrocyte-like Y-doped PbWO{sub 4} mesocrystals with average diameter and thickness of 1.5 and 0.7 μm are fabricated via a facile co-precipitation route at room temperature in the ethylene glycol (EG)-water mixed solvent. Time-dependent samples centrifuged at different times are carefully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectrum. The possible formation mechanism for the novel erythrocyte-like mesocrystals is proposed on the basis of these observations. The photocatalytic activity of the Y-doped PbWO{sub 4} mesocrystals is further investigated in terms of the degradation of the acid orange II under UV irradiation. This simple and environment-friendly strategy presented here offers promising route for the synthesis of other inorganic materials with unique morphologies and interesting properties. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Novel erythrocyte-like Y-doped PbWO{sub 4} mesocrystals are firstly synthesized via a facile co-precipitation route. • The mesocrystals are assembled by small nanoparticles a common crystallographic fashion. • The erythrocyte-like mesocrystals exhibit well photocatalytic activity. • A recrystallization-growth-oriented attachment formation mechanism is proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ionic Liquids as Extreme Pressure Additives for Bearing Steel Applications

The protection of steel surfaces from wear under extreme pressure conditions is of major importance in several industries as it provides better performance and longer life of machinery. The motivation for this work was to study the lubrication of steel by ionic liquids (ILs), which have recently emerged as greener alternatives to commercial lubricants and additives. Three ILs based on sulfur-containing anions, used as 2-wt% additives in polyethylene glycol base oil (MW 200; PEG 200), were tested in the lubrication of ASTM 52100 bearing steel contacts in extreme pressure conditions (under mixed lubrication with a Hertzian pressure of 1.12 GPa) using a mini traction machine (MTM). Due to the poor resistance to corrosion of bearing steel, a semi-ester of succinic acid derivative corrosion inhibitor (Lanxess RC 4801) was added to the mixtures at a 1 wt% concentration. The ILs 1-hexyl-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C 6 mim][TfO]) and 1-hexyl-4-picolinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C 6 -4-pic][TfO]) revealed promising results in terms of surface protection of bearing steel. In contrast, 4-picolinium hydrogen sulfate ([4-picH][HSO 4 ]) as 2-wt% additive to PEG 200 + 1% RC 4801 did not show any improvement in wear performance compared to neat PEG 200 + 1% RC 4801. PEG 200 + 2% [C 6 mim][TfO] + 1%RC 4801 allowed for a decrease in wear up to ~ 76% and PEG 200 + 2% [C 6 -4-pic][TfO] + 1%RC 4801 up to ~ 46% when compared with neat PEG 200 + 1% RC 4801. Optical microscopy images suggest the formation of an adsorbed layer, which was further supported by chemical analysis via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data for [C6mim][TfO].

friction↗

Tuning metal–carboxylate coordination in crystalline metal–organic frameworks through surfactant media

Although it has been widely demonstrated that surfactants can efficiently control the size, shape and surface properties of micro/nanocrystals of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) due to the strong interactions between surfactants and crystal facets of MOFs, the use of surfactants as reaction media to grow MOF single crystals is unprecedented. In addition, compared with ionic liquids, surfactants are much cheaper and can have multifunctional properties such as acidic, basic, neutral, cationic, anionic, or even block. These factors strongly motivate us to develop a new synthetic strategy: growing crystalline MOFs in surfactants. In this report, eight new two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) MOFs have been successfully synthesized in an industrially-abundant and environmentally-friendly surfactant: polyethylene glycol-200 (PEG-200). Eight different coordination modes of carboxylates, ranging from monodentate η{sup 1} mode to tetra-donor coordination µ{sub 3}-η{sup 1}:η{sup 2}:η{sup 1} mode, have been founded in our research. The magnetic properties of Co-based MOFs were investigated and MOF NTU-Z6b showed a phase transition with a Curie temperature (T{sub c}) at 5 K. Our strategy of growing crystalline MOFs in surfactant could offer exciting opportunities for preparing novel MOFs with diverse structures and interesting properties. - Graphical abstract: Surfactants have been used as reaction media to grow MOF single crystals for the first time. Eight new two-dimensional or three-dimensional MOFs were successfully synthesized in surfactant polyethylene glycol-200 (PEG-200). Coordination modes of carboxylates up to eight were founded. Our strategy of growing crystalline MOFs in surfactant could offer exciting opportunities for preparing novel MOFs with diverse structures and interesting properties. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Surfactant-thermal synthesis of crystalline metal–organic frameworks. • Eight new 2-D or 3-D metal–organic frameworks. • Eight different metal–carboxylate coordination modes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effects of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs) on Trichloroethene (TCE) Dechlorination by a Dehalococcoides mccartyi -Containing Microbial Community

The application of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) to extinguish chlorinated solvent-fueled fires has led to the co-contamination of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and trichloroethene (TCE) in groundwater and soil. Although reductive dechlorination of TCE by Dehalococcoides mccartyi is a frequently used remediation strategy, the effects of AFFF and PFASs on TCE dechlorination are not well-understood. Various AFFF formulations, PFASs, and ethylene glycols were amended to the growth medium of a D. mccartyi-containing enrichment culture to determine the impact on dechlorination, fermentation, and methanogenesis. The community was capable of fermenting organics (e.g., diethylene glycol butyl ether) in all AFFF formulations to hydrogen and acetate, but the product concentrations varied significantly according to formulation. TCE was dechlorinated in the presence of an AFFF formulation manufactured by 3M but was not dechlorinated in the presence of formulations from two other manufacturers. Experiments amended with AFFF-derived PFASs and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) indicated that dechlorination could be inhibited by PFASs but that the inhibition depends on surfactant concentration and structure. This study revealed that the fermentable components of AFFF can stimulate TCE dechlorination, while some of the fluorinated compounds in certain AFFF formulations can inhibit dechlorination.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Flax fiber-reinforced fatty acid vitrimer biocomposite with enhanced chemical recyclability

Here, this study unveils a sustainable, easily recyclable biocomposite, leveraging the dynamic nature of covalently adaptive bonds in a vitrimer matrix. The fabrication involved a fatty acid-derived vitrimer as the polymer matrix and multi-layered, nonwoven flax mat as reinforcing scaffold. The incorporation of these fibers significantly improved the mechanical performance of the vitrimer matrix uniformly. The ester-based covalently adaptive network plays a crucial role in enabling exceptional fiber-matrix bonding, as well as recyclability. The vitrimer matrix dissolves in ethylene glycol through transesterification, facilitating complete material recovery and biocomposite recycling without compromising the original properties of the matrix and reinforcing fibers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

IN0523 (Urs-12-ene-3α,24β-diol) a plant based derivative of boswellic acid protect Cisplatin induced urogenital toxicity

The limiting factor for the use of Cisplatin in the treatment of different type of cancers is its toxicity and more specifically urogenital toxicity. Oxidative stress is a well-known phenomenon associated with Cisplatin toxicity. However, in Cisplatin treated group, abnormal animal behavior, decreased body weight, cellular and sub-cellular changes in the kidney and sperm abnormality were observed. Our investigation revealed that Cisplatin when administered in combination with a natural product derivative (Urs-12-ene-3α,24β-diol, labeled as IN0523) resulted in significant restoration of body weight and protection against the pathological alteration caused by Cisplatin to kidney and testis. Sperm count and motility were significantly restored near to normal. Cisplatin caused depletion of defense system i.e. glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, which were restored close to normal by treatment of IN0523. Reduction in excessive lipid peroxidation induced by Cisplatin was also found by treatment with IN0523. The result suggests that IN0523 is a potential candidate for ameliorating Cisplatin induced toxicity in the kidney and testes at a dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. via inhibiting the oxidative stress/redox status imbalance and may be improving the efflux mechanism. - Highlights: • Synthesis of a novel boswellic acid derivative (IN0523) • Counter oxidative stress induced due to Cisplatin • Protect against urogenital toxicity induced by Cisplatin.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Stability of Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Copper Nanoparticles and Their Optical Properties

Oxidation is a corrosion reaction where the corroded metal forms an oxide. Prevention of oxidation at the nanoscale is critically important to retain the physicochemical properties of metal nanoparticles. In this work, we studied the stability of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated copper nanoparticles (PEGylated CuNPs) against oxidation. The freshly-prepared PEGylated CuNPs mainly consist of metallic Cu which are quite stable in air although their surfaces are typically covered with a few monolayers of cuprous oxide. However, they are quickly oxidized in water due to the presence of protons that facilitate oxidation of the cuprous oxide to cupric oxide. PEG with carboxylic acid terminus could slightly delay the oxidation process compared to that with thiol terminus. It was found that a solvent with reducing power such as ethanol could greatly enhance the stability of PEGylated CuNPs by preventing further oxidation of the cuprous oxide to cupric oxide and thus retain the optical properties of CuNPs. The reducing environment also assists the galvanic replacement of these PEGylated CuNPs to form hollow nanoshells; however, they consist of ultra-small particle assemblies due to the co-reduction of gold precursor during the replacement reaction. As a result, these nanoshells do not exhibit strong optical properties in the near-infrared region. This study highlights the importance of solvent effects on PEGylated nonprecious metal nanoparticles against oxidation corrosion and its applications in preserving physicochemical properties of metallic nanostructures.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Challenges in Transitioning Cocrystals from Bench to Bedside: Dissociation in Prototype Drug Product Environment

We report ablets containing a theophylline–glutaric acid (TG) cocrystal dissociated rapidly forming crystalline theophylline (20–30%), following storage at 40 °C/75% RH for 2 weeks. Control tablets of TG cocrystal containing no excipients were stable under the same conditions. The dissociation reaction was water-mediated, and the theophylline concentration (the dissociation product), monitored by synchrotron X-ray diffractometry, was strongly influenced by the formulation composition. Investigation of the binary compacts of the TG cocrystal with each excipient revealed the influence of excipient properties (hydrophilicity, ionizability) on cocrystal stability, providing mechanistic insights into a dissociation reaction. Ionizable excipients with a strong tendency to sorb water, for example, sodium starch glycolate and croscarmellose sodium, caused pronounced dissociation. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), while a neutral but hydrophilic excipient, also enabled solution-mediated cocrystal dissociation in intact tablets. Magnesium stearate, an ionizable but hydrophobic excipient, interacted with the cocrystal to form a hygroscopic product. The interaction is believed to be initiated in the disordered cocrystal–excipient particle interface. In contrast, the cocrystal was stable in the presence of lactose, a neutral excipient with no tendency to sorb water. The risk of unintended cocrystal dissociation can be mitigated by avoiding contact with water both during processing and storage.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Controlled synthesis of novel octapod platinum nanocrystals under microwave irradiation

Graphical abstract: Under microwave irradiation, novel octapod Pt nanocrystals were synthesized by reducing H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} in TEG with PVP as a stabilizer. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center. The use of KI was crucial to the formation of novel Pt octapods. Novel Octapod Platinum Nanocrystals. - Highlights: • A novel octapod Pt nanocrystals different from the common octapod were obtained. • The use of KI was crucial to the formation of the novel Pt octapods. • Microwave was readily employed in controlled synthesis of the novel Pt octapods. - Abstract: Microwave was employed in the shape-controlled synthesis of Pt nanoparticles. Novel octapod Pt nanocrystals enclosed with (1 1 1) facets were readily synthesized with H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} as a precursor, tetraethylene glycol (TEG) as both a solvent and a reducing agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer in the presence of an appropriate amount of KI under microwave irradiation for 140 s. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center and exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity than commercial Pt black in the electro-oxidations of methanol and formic acid. The results demonstrated that the use of KI was crucial to the formation of Pt octapods. KI determined the formation of the novel octapod Pt nanocrystals by tuning up the reduction kinetics and adsorbing on the surfaces of growing Pt nanoparticles. The optimum molar ratio of H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6}/KI/PVP was 1/30/45.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polymer-Grafted Cellulose Nanofibrils with Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility for Stronger Poly(lactic acid) Composites

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are a promising reinforcement for biodegradable composite matrices such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), but they require commercially scalable drying methods that preserve their fibrillar morphology along with improved interfacial interactions with polymer matrices. In this work, a water-based grafting-through polymerization scheme to modify CNFs improved spray drying behavior and reinforcement capacity in PLA composites. All polymer modifications yielded CNFs with a more fibrillar morphology after spray drying, increasing specific surface area by up to 490% compared to unmodified CNFs, values similar to conventional freeze drying. Polymer-grafted CNFs in PLA composites improved the tensile strength by 16% at 20 wt % loading and stiffness by 22% at a 10 wt % loading with two different graft-polymer chemistries compared to unmodified CNF composites. Surface energy heterogeneity measurements of the reinforcements and PLA matrix were employed to understand the improvements in composite properties. Polymer modifications lowered the total surface energy of the CNFs, and calculated ratios of work of adhesion to work of cohesion suggested improved interfacial compatibility for four of the modified CNFs with PLA. Rheological oscillatory shear studies of the composites correlated solid-like melt behavior, as demonstrated by storage moduli dominance, with higher tensile strength. Thermal analysis of the composites revealed that excessive plasticization by the poly(oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)-grafted sample potentially offset mechanical property improvements imparted by the more fibrillar morphology. This work provides an opportunity for large-scale manufacturing of CNF/PLA composites via an entirely aqueous modification scheme and industrially relevant spray drying process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lamellar and Hexagonal Assemblies of PEG-Grafted Silver Nanoparticles: Implications for Plasmonics and Photonics

Assembly of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) grafted with thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-SH) with various molecular weights is reported. Synchrotron-based X-ray surface-sensitive diffraction methods are used to determine the nature of two-dimensional (2D) assemblies at liquid/vapor interfaces, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is used to monitor the three-dimensional (3D) assemblies in bulk suspensions. We find that assembly can be induced either by the addition of K 2 CO 3 or polyacrylic acid (PAA) to the PEG-AgNP aqueous suspensions. The addition of K 2 CO 3 induces a 2D hexagonal structure at the liquid/vapor interface and a 3D hexagonal columnar structure in solutions, where the columns consist of tethered PEG-AgNP chains. On the other hand, the addition of PAA leads to the formation of a 2D lamella-like distorted hexagonal sheet at the liquid/vapor interface and a 3D lamellar superstructure formed by stacked 2D sheets in the PEG-AgNP suspension. Effects of the core type of nanoparticles on the assembly can be used to control structures for potential applications in plasmonics and photonics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Citric Acid Capped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as an Effective MALDI Matrix for Polymers

A new matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry matrix is proposed for molecular mass determination of polymers. This matrix contains an iron oxide nanoparticle (NP) core with citric acid (CA) molecules covalently bound to the surface. With the assistance of additives, the particulate nature of NPs allows the matrix to mix uniformly with polar or nonpolar polymer layers and promotes ionization, which may simplify matrix selection and sample preparation procedures. Several distinctively different polymer classes (polyethyleneglycol (PEG), polywax/polyethylene, perfluoropolyether, and polydimethylsiloxane) are effectively detected by the water or methanol dispersed NPCA matrix with NaCl, NaOH, LiOH, or AgNO{sub 3} as additives. Furtheremore, successful quantitative measurements of PEG1000 using polypropylene glycol 1000 as an internal standard are demonstrated. .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Double bonus: surfactant-assisted biomass pelleting benefits both the pelleting process and subsequent enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated pellets

Pelleting overcomes the utilization limitation of lignocellulosic biomass due to its low density and related processing costs. Efficiently combining biomass pelleting and enzymatic saccharification is a challenge for applying biomass with low density in a biorefinery. In this study, we propose a novel biomass processing approach involving the addition of surfactant during pelleting and using the pellets for pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. Here, we investigated the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 assisted pelleting on pelleting specific energy consumption and friction, and on subsequent pretreatment as well as on enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated pellets. The results showed that PEG 6000 assisted pelleting decreased the total pelleting specific energy consumption by about 14% for wheat straw and 18% for pine, and reduced the maximum friction during ejection of pellets by about 34% for wheat straw and 29% for pine. PEG 6000 assisted pelleting enhanced subsequent enzymatic sugar yield effectively for both acid and alkaline pretreated wheat straw and pine, especially for acid-treated pine pellets, where a 256% increase in glucose yield was obtained. The results suggest that PEG 6000 decreases the cleavage of β-O-4' linkages during pretreatment and thus hinders the formation of phenolic hydroxyl groups, contributing to the enhanced sugar yield in enzymatic saccharification. As surfactants were found to have beneficial effects on both biomass pelleting and the sugar yield obtained from the enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated pellets, it would be advantageous to add surfactants during pelletizing when the pellets are intended for application in a biorefinery.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electrochemical detection of chlorate on a novel nano-Au/TiO{sub 2}NT electrode

Highlights: • Highly stable gold nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple photochemical process. • TiO{sub 2} nanotubes were used as substrate for preparation of a novel 3D modified electrode. • This electrode was capable of chlorate ion reduction and detection. - Abstract: The present work describes the synthesis, characterization and application of Au nanoparticles modified titanium nanotube electrode (Nano-Au/TiO{sub 2}NT) as a novel and sensitive electrode material for electrochemical sensing of chlorate. For this purpose, highly ordered TiO{sub 2} nanotube (TiO{sub 2}NT) electrode was synthesized by anodization of metallic titanium foil in ethylene glycol-water solution. Nano-Au/TiO{sub 2}NT was obtained by drop casting a solution of homogeneous and fine structures of gold nanoparticles, which were prepared from HAuCl{sub 4} using a new simple photochemical process. Structural and elemental analysis characteristics of the resulting Nano-Au/TiO{sub 2}NT electrode were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrocchemical activity of resulted Nano-Au/TiO{sub 2}NT electrode towards chlorate reduction in acidic solution was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods An enhancement of amperometric current in the presence of chlorate was afforded to chlorate detection with a low detection limit of 12 μM and linear range of 50 μM to 4.8 mM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

THERMODYNAMICS OF CESIUM EXTRACTION FROM ACIDIC MEDIA BY HCCD and PEG

This is a companion study to previous publications which expands the understanding of cesium extraction from nitrate media using chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide (HCCD) dissolved in the polar phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone (FS-13) diluent. First, it is verified that the system is based solely on cation exchange between H+ and Cs+ and that NO3- does not intervene, i.e., that the apparent nitrate dependency is merely an artifact of solution non-idealities. Next, the enthalpy and entropy of the system were determined using appropriate corrections in the van’t Hoff analysis and are in excellent agreement with independently published calorimetry results. Finally, the extraction of Cs by the system containing both HCCD and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in FS-13 was characterized by the determination the species produced in the organic and aqueous phases and it is further demonstrated that synergistic extraction of Cs by HCCD and PEG does not occur. Although there is a definite interaction between HCCD and PEG, and it is well established that this interaction is responsible for the extraction of Sr, this association is actually antagonist with respect to the extraction of Cs.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Versatile Synthetic Platform for Polymer Membrane Libraries Using Functional Networks

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diacrylate copolymer networks containing pentafluorophenyl active esters can be quantitatively substituted with a wide variety of primary amines, enabling the development of a versatile synthetic platform for the preparation of polymer hydrogel and membrane libraries. Here, by tuning the starting network, a high degree of control over cross-linking density, water uptake, and functional group incorporation can be reproducibly achieved, which is vital for elucidating structure–property relationships in ion transporting membranes. From the same cross-linked scaffold, a diversity of basic, acidic, and solute-chelating moieties were obtained through functionalization, which allows for tailored uptake of basic and acidic organic dyes and metal chloride salts. Ion permeation and sorption measurements for a series of polymer networks with controlled cross-linking density and varied imidazole grafting densities illustrate the ability of this platform to isolate the effect of chemical functionality on ion transport from the effects of cross-linking density and water content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Diethylene glycol-induced toxicities show marked threshold dose response in rats

Diethylene glycol (DEG) exposure poses risks to human health because of widespread industrial use and accidental exposures from contaminated products. To enhance the understanding of the mechanistic role of metabolites in DEG toxicity, this study used a dose response paradigm to determine a rat model that would best mimic DEG exposure in humans. Wistar and Fischer-344 (F-344) rats were treated by oral gavage with 0, 2, 5, or 10 g/kg DEG and blood, kidney and liver tissues were collected at 48 h. Both rat strains treated with 10 g/kg DEG had equivalent degrees of metabolic acidosis, renal toxicity (increased BUN and creatinine and cortical necrosis) and liver toxicity (increased serum enzyme levels, centrilobular necrosis and severe glycogen depletion). There was no liver or kidney toxicity at the lower DEG doses (2 and 5 g/kg) regardless of strain, demonstrating a steep threshold dose response. Kidney diglycolic acid (DGA), the presumed nephrotoxic metabolite of DEG, was markedly elevated in both rat strains administered 10 g/kg DEG, but no DGA was present at 2 or 5 g/kg, asserting its necessary role in DEG-induced toxicity. These results indicate that mechanistically in order to produce toxicity, metabolism to and significant target organ accumulation of DGA are required and that both strains would be useful for DEG risk assessments. - Highlights: • DEG produces a steep threshold dose response for kidney injury in rats. • Wistar and F-344 rats do not differ in response to DEG-induced renal injury. • The dose response for renal injury closely mirrors that for renal DGA accumulation. • Results demonstrate the importance of DGA accumulation in producing kidney injury.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A mechanistic study explaining the synergistic viscosity increase obtained from polyethylene oxide (PEO) and {beta}-naphthalene sulfonate (BNS) in shotcrete

In shotcrete, a combination of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and {beta}-naphthalene sulfonate (BNS) is commonly applied to reduce rebound. Here, the mechanism for the synergistic viscosity increase resulting from this admixture combination was investigated via x-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It was found that the electron-rich aromatic rings present in BNS donate electrons to the alkyl protons of PEO and thus increase the electron density there. This rare interaction is known as CH-{pi} interaction and leads to the formation of a supramolecular structure whereby PEO chains bind weakly to BNS molecules. Through this mechanism a polymer network exhibiting exceptionally high molecular weight and thus viscosity is formed. Among polycondensates, sulfanilic acid-phenol-formaldehyde (SPF) provides even higher synergy with PEO than BNS while melamine (PMS), acetone (AFS) or polycarboxylate (PCE) based superplasticizers do not work at all. Effectiveness of lignosulfonates is dependent on their degree of sulfonation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗