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At least 721 records · Page 40

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DOE OSTI2018

Poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) Grafted Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Hydrogel: A Useful Congo Red Dye Remover

Composite hydrogel was prepared by cross-link copolymerization of a mixture of acrylamide, and N,N-dimethylacrylamide using N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide as a cross-linking agent onto hydroxyethyl cellulose backbone. Several hydrogels (H{sub 1}–H{sub 5}) were prepared by varying the amount of acrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide. Swelling characteristics in water of all the hydrogels were evaluated to identify the hydrogel having highest water swelling property. The hydrogel showing highest water swelling performance (H{sub 3}) was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM studies. Swelling and deswelling kinetic studies of the hydrogel (H{sub 3}) were also carried out. The hydrogel (H{sub 3}) was used for the removal of congo red (CR), a toxic azo dye from its aqueous solution. Adsorption dynamics, kinetics and isotherms were also evaluated. The adsorption follows a pseudo second order kinetics, and the sorption data were well fitted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The hydrogel (H{sub 3}) showed a high monolayer adsorption capacity (Q{sub m} = 102.4 mg g{sup −1}) for the CR dye adsorption. Graphical Abstract: .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Development of Biocomposites from Agro Wastes for Low Dielectric Applications

The present work is attempting to synthesize and characterizations of a novel carbazole core containing cardanol based benzoxazine monomer from carbazole core containing aromatic diamine, cardanol and paraformaldehyde. In addition, carbazole core containing cardanol based benzoxazine polymer and various weight percentages of amine functionalized rice husk ash incorporated carbazole core containing cardanol based polybenzoxazine composites were prepared. The prepared polymer and its composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA and dielectric studies. The various studies confirm that the composites show increased Tg, higher char yield and better thermal stability compared to carbazole core containing cardanol based benzoxazine polymer. In addition to that the composites show significant decrease in the dielectric constant values than the neat cardanol based polybenzoxazine. The surface morphology and the distribution of rice husk ash in carbazole core containing cardanol based polybenzoxazine composites are confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. Hence, the present study has attempted to prepared eco-friendly value added carbazole core containing cardanol based polybenzoxazine products for low dielectric constant applications by making use of biowaste for both matrix and reinforcement preparation to form biowaste based composites. Graphical Abstract: Schematic representation for the preparation of carbazole core containing cardanol based benzoxazine monomer, polybenzoxazine and biobased polybenzoxazine composites .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Conferring Antibacterial Properties on Sesbania Gum via Microwave-Assisted Graft Copolymerization of DADMAC

Microbial contamination, the consequences of both anthropogenic and geogenic activity, includes high health and environmental threats and may adversely affects the ecological niche. The present work is a successful attempt towards the fabrication of anti-bacterial agent by incorporation of cationic monomer, diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) on sesbania gum through microwave assisted method. The grafted chains of poly (DADMAC) provide positive charge to sesbania gum which in turn confers antibacterial activity. The synthesized product was characterized through FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC elemental and viscometric analysis. The inhibitory activity of the synthesized product has been evaluated in vitro against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 2122 and Bacillus anthracis) as well as Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi NCIM 2501 and Escherichia coli NCIM 2832) bacteria through standard agar cup method. Optimum minimum inhibitory concentration for each grade of graft copolymer measured by calculating the zone of inhibition has been found at 750 µg/ml. Graphical Abstract: .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Removal of Congo Red from Aqueous Solution by Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Loaded on Zein as an Efficient and Green Adsorbent: Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm

This study is based on the application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles loaded on Zein (Zein/nHAp) as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions. The properties of the adsorbent were characterized using various techniques including FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, and BET. The influence of five parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the removal percentage of the dye was investigated. The optimum conditions of 5.83, 34.32 °C, 5.20 min, 392.10 ppm, and 0.007 g were achieved for pH, temperature, contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage, respectively. The maximum removal percentage of 99.48% was obtained under the optimum condition that exhibited high adsorption potential of the used adsorbent. Central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology and artificial neural network-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) were utilized for optimization of parameters. Comparison of the results of the two models in terms of coefficient of determination (R{sup 2}) and mean absolute percentage error confirmed the prediction potential of CCD and ANN-GA. Higher ability and accuracy of ANN-GA in prediction was found based on given results. The experimental equilibrium data were studied by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevic isotherm models and explored that the data well presented by Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 416.66 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic was well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order model. The thermodynamics of the adsorption displayed spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. Regeneration investigation showed that Zein/nHAp can impressively be reused, indicating that the adsorbent was a promising one for the removal of Congo red from aqueous solution. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Iron Nanoparticles α-Chitin Nanocomposite for Enhanced Antimicrobial, Dyes Degradation and Heavy Metals Removal Activities

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles has become a matter of great interest in recent years for overcoming various challenges such as infectious diseases and environmental pollutants. In the present study, a green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNP) was performed using aqueous leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius as a reducing and capping agent. Chitin nanoparticles (CNP) were prepared from shells of Penaeus semisulcatus and used for the preparation of iron/chitin nanocomposite. The structure and properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR analyses and then evaluated for their antimicrobial, dyes degradation and heavy metals adsorption activities. FeNP/CNP nanocomposite showed enhanced antimicrobial activity as compared to that of FeNP and CNP alone. A great degradation had been confirmed upon treatment of dyes with FeNP/CNP nanocomposite. It reached 95% for methyl orange at 150 min. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of heavy metals increased with increasing adsorbents concentrations. FeNP/CNP nanocomposite exhibited higher heavy metals removal efficiency than FeNP and in a shorter time. It caused removal percentages of 98.9, 94.2 and 90.3% for Cr{sup 3+}, Cd{sup 2+} and Ni{sup 2+}, respectively at 30 min. The results confirmed that incorporation of FeNP into CNP improves the properties of FeNP and can be used as a promising strategy to be used as biocompatible antimicrobial and bioremediation agents. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Hydrochloric Acid Hydrolysis of Pulps from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches to Produce Cellulose Nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were successfully isolated by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis followed by ultrasonic homogenization of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), which are a major form of agricultural waste in Southeast Asia. Currently sulfuric acid is mainly used in CNC preparation to achieve high dispersibility; however, we demonstrated that CNC suspensions prepared from OPEFB by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis remained stable without any sedimentation over 6 months. The obtained CNCs were fully characterized by elemental analysis, electron microscopic observation, X-ray diffraction measurement, and thermal analysis. The OPEFB-derived CNCs exhibited higher aspect ratios of 23–29 and higher thermal stability of 347–359 °C as maximum degradation temperature, as compared with those of woody CNCs prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis (15 and 311 °C, respectively). Although as-prepared CNCs showed comparable morphological and physicochemical properties to those prepared from oil palm biomass by other methods including sulfuric acid hydrolysis, use of hydrochloric acid and ultrasonication for hydrolysis of OPEFB was effective to yield crystalline CNCs with long-term nanodispersibility showing clear birefringence. Graphical Abstract: .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2018

In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Chitin and Chitosan Based Nanocarriers for Curcumin and Insulin Delivery

The evaluation of drug delivery potential, molecular interactions of the polymeric nanoparticles with the drug molecule and release kinetics encounters more time consumption and also cost. In this study, we have adopted the combination of in vitro and in silico approaches to evaluate the drug delivery property of the polymeric nanoparticles viz. chitin and chitosan. Herein, two different therapeutic agents such as curcumin (a hydrophobic drug) and insulin (a therapeutic protein) were used to study the delivery potential of chitin and chitosan nanoparticles. The drug loaded chitin and chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and characterized using Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy analysis. In the in vitro drug delivery experiments, chitosan nanoparticles exhibited better encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity and prolonged release of the drug molecules than that of the chitin nanoparticles to both curcumin and insulin. Meanwhile the in silico experiments such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics predicted the molecular interactions and binding energy involved between the nanoparticles and the drug molecules. From this study, we suggest that the chitosan nanoparticles could be used as a carrier molecule for both curcumin and insulin. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Chitosan–Gelatin @ Tin (IV) Tungstatophosphate Nanocomposite Ion Exchanger: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications in Environmental Remediation

The present study reported the synthesis of novel organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite by incorporating tin (IV) based ion exchanger into the hybrid polymer network of chitosan and gelatin prepared under vacuum for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions and toxic dyes from an aqueous fluid. The physicochemical studies such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), chemical stability, thermal stability, pH titration and distribution behaviour studies were also carried out to determine the cation exchange behaviour of the material. The surface morphology and structural properties were studied by the techniques such as FTIR, FESEM, EDS, TEM and XRD. Distribution studies confirmed the synthesized CG/STPNC had the highest selectivity for Pb{sup 2+} ions (85.3 mL/g). Maximum adsorption of methylene blue (82%) was achieved within 240 min at 500 mg of adsorbent dose, 10 mg/L of the initial concentration of dye, pH of 7 and 30 °C of temperature. Adsorption kinetic data fitted well with pseudo-second order rate model with R{sup 2} = 0.995. The correlation value 0.95 and favourable R{sub L} = 0.21 of adsorption data suggested better fit for Langmuir adsorption. Thus the synthesized nanocomposite ion exchanger was found to be a promising cation exchanger as well as an adsorbent for heavy metal ion and dye removal from textile industrial effluents. Graphical abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Intercalation of Nanopolyaniline with Nanobentonite and Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Nanocomposite to Remediate Cobalt/Zinc and Their Radioactive Nuclides {sup 60}Co/{sup 65}Zn

A novel nanocomposite based on the combination of nanobentonite with nanopolyaniline and nanomanganese oxide (N-Bent–NPANI–NMn{sub 3}O{sub 4}) was synthesized and investigated to extract Co/Zn ions from water using batch technique and {sup 60}Co/{sup 65}Zn radionuclides from radioactive wastewater using column techniques. Characterization was established by High resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The image of HR-TEM indicated that the produced nanocomposite was ranged from 59.07 to 83.38 nm. Solution pH, time of reaction, amount of solid and metal concentration, all of these parameters were inspected and optimized as fundamental factors during the extraction process. The obtained results implied that the ideal conditions for extraction were pH 6 and 7, reaction time 10 and 20 min, for Co and Zn ions, respectively. The highest removal capacities were found 255.28 and 202.22 mg g{sup −1} for Co and Zn, respectively by using 5 mg nanocomposite. Excellent recoveries were obtained as 94.0–94.5% and 92.0–93.0% for removal of Co–{sup 60}Co and of Zn–{sup 65}Zn ions, respectively from the examined samples. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Enrichment and Recovery of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution via a Monolithic Loofah Sponge Modified by Tannins and Arginine

In this study, a monolithic loofah sponge (LS) matrix, which was pretreated by hemicellulase and decorated by amino and guanidine, was successfully endowed with two functions: adsorption and recovery for Cr(VI). As an adsorbent, the modified LS (LS–TAA) has a high adsorption capacity (327.91 mg/g) for Cr(VI), and can be handily reused because of its integrity, good mechanical strength and convenient separation from aqueous solution. As a carrier, the residue of Cr-loaded LS–TAA was discovered to be pure Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles after calcination. The effect of hemicellulase pretreatment and influencing factors, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherm adsorption models were investigated. The samples were characterized by various means including SEM, EDX, FT–IR, XRD, XPS and TEM. The results demonstrated that the LS–TAA should be viewed as a low-cost environment functional material with application potential to treat Cr-polluted wastewater. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Highly Efficient Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Chitosan/Rice Husk Ash/Nano Alumina with a Focus on Optimization by Response Surface Methodology: Isotherm, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

In the present study, an adsorbent named chitosan/rice husk ash/nano-γ alumina was prepared and used for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions. It was characterized by FESEM, FTIR, XRD, and BET. The important and interactive effects of some considered parameters, such as the initial lead ion concentration, pH, adsorbent mass and contact time, were estimated and optimized by using the central composite design (CCD). The Maximum adsorption efficiency of lead ions under optimum conditions, including the pH of 5, adsorbent mass of 0.01 g, the initial lead ion concentration of 30 ppm, and the contact time of 105 min, was achieved to be 90.98%. The adsorption kinetic was consistent with the pseudo-second-order model (R{sup 2} = 0.9967). The lead adsorption isotherms were well fitted to the Langmuir model, indicating the maximum adsorption capacity of 181.82 mg g{sup −1}. Thermodynamic parameters (R{sup 2}: 0.9200, ΔH°: − 22871.81 kJ mol{sup −1}, ΔG{sup °}: − 10.63 kJ mol{sup −1}, and ΔS{sup °}: 118.37 kJ mol{sup −1} K{sup −1}) were calculated and indicating adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in the temperature range of 283.15–313.15 k. The maintenance above 70% capacity of the adsorbent was observed by the regeneration study of chitosan/rice husk ash/nano-γ alumina after six cycles. Comparison of adsorption efficiency of the studied adsorbent and other adsorbents in the removal of lead ions was also done in this paper. Consequently, the excellent properties of the presented nanocomposite could make it an ideal adsorbent for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

Starch:Pectin Acidic Sachets Development for Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Storage to Improve Phosphorus Release

The importance of fertilizers in boosting crop production has motivated the development of novel high-performance systems capable of improving the phosphorus release in the soil. For instance, methods capable of increasing the surface area of fertilizer particles and promoting the solubilization of low-solubility compounds, including phosphates, are highly pursued. This study was aimed at synthesizing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and investigating their solubility in relation to crystallinity, size, and morphology for phosphorous fertilizer applications. To improve the phosphate ions release, the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were storage in biodegradable sachets composed of thermoplastic starch/pectin blends with different polymer ratios. The results showed that the smallest and less crystalline hydroxyapatite nanoparticles presented the highest solubility. After storage in polymeric thermoplastic starch:pectin sachets, solubility for all samples was greatly improved, enhancing the phosphorus release due to pH decrease, independent on the nanoparticle size, shape, and crystallinity. The results highlight that the use of acidic sachets is a valuable approach for enhancing phosphorus and other macronutrients release from fertilizers with basic surface properties, aiming at increasing agricultural crop productivity. Graphical Abstract: .

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2019

An Eco-friendly Porous Poly(imide-ether)s for the Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue: Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherm, Thermodynamics and Reuse Performances

Poly(imide-ether)s (PIEs), which is porous in nature, was synthesized using aromatic diamines and dianhydrides via the solution polycondenzation reaction. In the process, PIEs was used as an adsorbent for the removal of basic dye [Methylene blue (MB)] from the aqueous solution. The structure and the thermal stability of PIEs were characterized by FT-IR, {sup 1}H-NMR, XRD and TG analysis, and the adsorption behaviour of the PIEs was confirmed using UV/Visible, FT-IR and SEM with EDX analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out and their parameters (pH 6.95), initial MB concentration (200 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (50 mg), contact time (120 min) and temperature (28 °C) were optimized. The batch adsorption experimental data of the effect of contact time, initial MB concentration and temperature were evaluated using the adsorption kinetics (Pseudo-first order, Pseudo-second order, Elovich and Intra-particle diffusion kinetic), isotherm (Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson and Sips isotherms) and thermodynamic models respectively. In the study, adsorption of MB onto PIEs followed Pseudo-second kinetics and found to be the best fitting model based on the obtained experimental data. The homogeneity and heterogeneity surface nature of PIEs were elucidated with two and three isotherm parameters respectively. The adsorption thermodynamic study indicates that the adsorption of MB onto PIEs was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The adsorbed PIEs solid waste was utilized to prepare the polymer composite, and its property was characterized. Graphical Abstract: .

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2019

Development of PBT/Recycled-PET Blends and the Influence of Using Chain Extender

In this study, PBT/recycled-PET blends were developed using a twin-screw extruder. A commercial chain extender (Joncryl ADR 4468) was also used to melt mix with PBT/recycled-PET blend systems. Firstly, Joncryl at different loadings was extruded with recycled-PET to explore the influence of branching on melt behavior and crystallization of PET. The effect of blending recycled-PET with PBT on the final properties was then explored at different blending ratios (25w/75w, 50w/50w and 75w/25w). Similar blends were subsequently prepared while incorporating chain extender. Melt behavior, phase miscibility, crystallization behavior, solid viscoelastic properties, tensile and impact properties of the blends were eventually analyzed using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), melt flow indexer (MFI), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and tensile and Izod notched impact testing, respectively. The results showed that the addition of chain extender increased the melt viscosity of PET and at the low contents enhanced the PET’s crystallization rate. On the other hand, the blends of PBT/recycled-PET are fully miscible in the amorphous region whereas the crystalline phases are immiscible subsequent to a fast cooling. The PBT and PET molecules could also co-crystallize and be fully miscible in crystalline phases upon slow cooling of the melt. Blending recycled-PET with PBT didn’t suppress the tensile properties of PBT, however it could enhance the PBT’s ductility and reduce its impact strength. The chain extender didn’t influence the mechanical properties much. Graphical Abstract: .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Study on Nanocellulose Properties Processed Using Different Methods and Their Aerogels

In this paper the effects of different mechanical methods including homogenization, ultrasonication and grinding on the properties of the nanocellulose materials and their aerogels, were investigated. The cellulose nanocrystal products, (CNC-H) and (CNC-U), were prepared by homogenization and ultrasonication of the acid hydrolyzed pulps, respectively. The aerogel products were produced by solvent exchanging of nanocellulose hydrogels with tertiary butyl alcohol and followed by freeze drying. The nanocellulose materials were studied using transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Size distribution and surface charges of the nanocellulose suspensions were measured by zetasizer. Also, the morphology, the porosity properties and surface area of the CNCs and CNF aerogels were investigated via FE-SEM and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results showed that CNC-H has higher surface charge, suspension stability (− 41.8 mV), crystallinity index (74.7%) and better size dispersion than CNC-U and CNF with an average particle size of 122 nm. CNC-H microstructures demonstrated homogeneous network structure with smaller nanometer dimensions (15–30 nm width and 60–400 nm length). However, the CNC-H showed lower thermal stability compared to CNC-U and CNF. Larger average pore size (16.32 nm), pore volume (0.42 cc/g) and high specific surface area (> 100 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}) in CNC-H aerogel were obtained. Graphical Abstract: Suspensions of nanocellulose (NC) were prepared by different mechanical methods: Homogenizing, Ultrasonic and grinding. The NC products were investigated and their differences in morphology and other characteristics were studied. The aerogels were prepared from the nanocellulose hydrogels. The nitrogen physisorption was used to study the pore characteristics of the aerogels. .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Inhibition of Polyimide Photodegradation by Incorporation of Titanate Nanotubes into a Composite

The effect of UV light exposure on the properties of hexafluoroisopropylidene-diphthalic anhydride–oxydianiline (6FDA–ODA) polyimide (PI) and polyimide–titanate nanotube (TiNT/PI) composites has been studied using Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, nanoidentation and TEM. The degree of polymer photodegradation was estimated by measuring the change in affinity to a positively charged dye (methylene blue, MB). The mechanism of photoassisted transformations in polyimides usually involves scission of polymer chains accompanied by appearance of active radicals, which undergo further rapid transformations to more stable phenol, amine, and carboxylic functional groups. The accumulation of these groups can increase the degree of adsorption of charged dyes in the photodegraded polymer. It was found that neat PI showed a significantly increased capacity to adsorb MB after irradiation with UV, reaching a plateau after 1 h. In contrast, TiNT/PI composite demonstrated a much slower rise in concentration of adsorbed MB even after 4 h of UV exposure. Raman spectra indicated cleavage of C=O and C–F bonds in PI while only the C–F bond was damaged in TiNT/PI. Shorter cracks (≈ 40 µm long) appeared in TiNT/PI composites whereas macro cracks (> 100 µm) were visible in neat PI after 3 h of UV exposure. Brittleness was studied by comparing plasticity index which varied from 0 to 1 (0 corresponding to the most brittle material and 1 the most ductile one). Plasticity index reduced by 51% and 2% for PI and TiNT/PI, respectively after 3 h UV irradiation, indicating that TiNT can protect underlying PI from further damage. The hardness of neat PI decreased whereas, for TiNT/PI, it increased under UV, suggesting crosslinking of broken polymer chains with nanotubes. Graphical Abstract: Photodegradation of a titanate nanotubes/polyimide composite can lead to cross-linking of broken polymer chains by nanostructured material, resulting in increased hardness. .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Nano Graphene-Reinforced Bio-nanocomposites Based on NR/PLA: The Morphological, Thermal and Rheological Perspective

Bio-based graphene-reinforced thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based on natural rubber (NR), and poly lactic acid (PLA) were successfully prepared via melt blending. The effect of graphene nanosheets (GNS) content and coupling agent were investigated on morphological, thermal and rheological properties of the PLA/NR/GNS bio-nanocomposites. More stable morphology of uniformly dispersed NR phase in the continuous PLA matrix with a relatively narrower diameter-size distribution was achieved in the presence of a compatibilizer. Moreover, transmission electron micrographs showed more improved dispersion of GNS with predominantly exfoliated morphology in the case of ENR-compatibilized PLA/NR/GNS bio-nanocomposites. Crystallization/melting studies revealed that, as the GNS content increased, the cold-crystallization peak, melting peak and glass-to-rubber transition temperature values shifted to higher temperatures and the crystallinities of blends slightly decreased (about 7%) which might be attributed to the reduction of polymeric segments mobility by the restricting effect of GNS. Dynamical mechanical investigation showed that the storage modulus (E′) increased about 25% by the introduction of GNS due to the inherent stiffness of GNS and the occurrence of compatibility in the PLA/NR blend in the presence of ENR. The presence of ENR shifted the T{sub g} of the NR phase and the PLA matrix towards each other which is a characteristic of higher miscibility and compatibility. The thermogravimetry (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curves revealed higher thermal stability of the compatibilized-PLA/NR blends due to the enhanced interfacial adhesion and the homogenous dispersion of GNSs as direct effects of the presence of ENR. Rheological studies indicated that the formation of the effective GNS-polymer networks by the presence of ENR increased the storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*) value due to the effectiveness of the GNS in taking loads and restricted molecular motion, respectively. Graphical Abstract: .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Application of Novel Adsorbent Prepared by Mucor hiemalis Biomass Impregnated with Calcium Alginate for Removal of Sr{sup 2+} from Aqueous Solutions

In this research, a novel biosorbent was prepared by Mucor hiemalis biomass combined with calcium alginate (Mucor hiemalis/Alg-Ca). The dead biomass was entrapped into alginate gel by curing method in the presence of Ca{sup 2+} ions. The synthesized biosorbent characterized by XRD, EDAX, BET, FTIR, and SEM techniques was used for removal of Sr{sup 2+} from aquatic streams under various experimental conditions and the optimized adsorption capacity of 140 mg g{sup −1} was obtained. The selectivity of the adsorbent towards Sr{sup 2+} studied in the presence of Na{sup +}, Cs{sup +}, Ca{sup 2+} and Mg{sup 2+} was reasonably high. The adsorption process was kinetically fast and the equilibrium was established within 60 min, and followed the pseudo-second order kinetics model. The equilibrium data was well described by Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamics parameters (∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°) of the process were determined. Positive ∆H° and negative ∆G° were indicative of the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. Graphical Abstract: .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗