Metallocene‐based functionalized polyolefins as compatibilizers in polyolefin nanocomposites

This article reports a study of some functionalized polyolefins evaluated as compatibilizers in polyethylene nanocomposites. The functionalized polymers were prepared by direct metallocene‐mediated copolymerizations of ethylene and a functional comonomer. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated for mechanical and barrier property enhancement. A good combination of mechanical and barrier properties was obtained with the metallocene‐based functionalized polyethylene. The toughness–stiffness balance was better than or comparable to that achieved with conventional functionalized polymers such as maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene. The results also indicated that these metallocene‐based functionalized polyolefins, when used as compatibilizers, could have relatively higher molar masses and lower functionality than those of conventional post‐reactor‐modified compatibilizers, and so the drawbacks associated with the latter could be avoided. Their inherent properties could also further improve the final nanocomposite properties. This was attributed to the more homogeneous nature of metallocene‐catalyzed polymers in comparison with post‐reactor‐modified products. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1094–1100, 2004     

Grafting of unsaturated acids and silanes to ethylene polymers: A kinetic model

A general kinetic model was developed to simulate the grafting of monomers such as unsaturated carboxylic acids and silanes to ethylene polymers. The polymers considered were ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-co-butyl acrylate (EBA), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Grafting was assumed to proceed by a free-radical mechanism involving chain transfer. Organic peroxides having a strong tendency for hydrogen abstraction were selected as the source of primary radicals. The model simulated the grafting reaction as taking place in a single screw extruder. The residence time distribution in the extruder was experimentally determined by tracer analysis, according to which the extruder was a plug-flow reactor connected to two mixed reactors in parallel. The model is able to predict the extent of grafting in terms of predefined parameters. Comparison of model predictions with available experimental data showed slight deviations, the possible causes of which are discussed. However, the kinetic behavior expected on the basis of the input parameters was observed, and, as such, the model allowed study of the effect of process variables on grafting kinetics and provided insight into the reaction mechanism.     

Sintering studies on plastic clays

Plastic clays are essential ingredients for ceramic body manufacture as binding agents for imparting plasticity, workability and green strength to raw materials. Seven clay samples which are mainly kaolinitic were chosen for the present studies. The mineralogy and crystallinity of the raw materials and the phase changes taking place during their sintering under different conditions were examined. The properties of the fired samples, such as water absorption, linear shrinkage and MOR were determined and a correlation of the strength of the sintered material with the microstructure was attempted. The observed variation in the properties was explained as a function of mineralogy, crystallinity and the amount and nature of the impurities present in the clays. The effect of the blending of an aluminosilicate gel and other mineral constituents with clays on their properties after sintering was also studied.     

Effect of pre‐treatments on the biosorption of Chromium (VI) ions by the dead biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus

BACKGROUND: This work fulfils the need to develop an eco‐friendly biosorbent, elucidating the mechanism of biosorption. Removal of Cr(VI) by Rhizopus arrhizus was investigated in batch mode. Enhancement in the performance of the biosorbent was attempted by pre‐treating the biomass with inorganic and organic acids, chelating agent, cross‐linker and an organic solvent followed by autoclaving. The surface characterization of the biomass was carried out by potentiometric titration, surface area analysis, infrared spectroscopy, chemical modification of the biomass and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: All the physico‐chemical treatments of the biosorbent improved Cr(VI) uptake compared with the native biomass (21.72 mg g^?1). The highest biosorption capacity (31.52 mg g^?1) was achieved after pre‐treating the biomass with 0.5 mol L^?1 HNO₃ followed by autoclaving. Surface characterization of the biomass using pH_zpc, potentiometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the role of amino and carboxyl groups in Cr(VI) removal by electrostatic attraction. Chemical modification of amino and carboxyl groups significantly decreased Cr(VI) uptake capacity confirming their role in biosorption. SEM analysis showed adsorption of Cr(VI) on the biosorbent surface. CONCLUSION: Rhizopus arrhizus biomass proved to be an effective and low cost alternative biosorbent for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermally stimulated properties in ZnSe∶Tb and ZnSe∶(Mn,Tb) phosphors

Thermoluminescence studies were performed of ZnSe∶Tb and ZnSe∶(Mn,Tb) phosphors.A method of preparation for ZnSe phosphors doped with Tb and (Mn,Tb) has been discussed.The thermoluminescence (TL) properties of these phosphors have been studied from 100 to 370 K temperature after exciting by UV radiation (365 nm) at three uniform heating rates 0.4,0.6 and 0.9 K/s.The trapping parameters like trap depth,lifetime of electrons and capture cross-section have also been determined using various methods.     

Thermodynamics of the silver—silver chromate electrode in water + 10, + 20, + 30 and + 40 mass percent of dioxane at different temperatures

The emf of the cell: Ag, AgCl, NaCl(m)?Na₂CrO₄(m/2), Ag₂CrO₄, Ag in water + 10, + 20, + 30, and + 40 mass percent of dioxane has been measured at 5°C intervals over the temperature range 15–45°C. The values of the standard potentials of the silver—silver chromate electrode have been determined in these mixed solvent media at these temperatures. The standard thermodynamic quantities (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) for the cell reaction in water + dioxane mixtures have been evaluated at these temperatures. The results are discussed in terms of the preferential solvation of the ions.     

Aqua-mediated in situ synthesis of highly potent phosphorous functionalized flame retardant for cotton fabric

Flame retardancy in various materials is becoming an increasingly important performance feature. In the textile industries, fire-related problems have become an important concern over the decade. Herein, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and graphene-supported material were functionalized with trimethyl phosphate (TMP) for the synthesis of flame retardant (FR) composite material [graphene polymer functionalized trimethyl phosphate (GPTMP)] in the aqueous medium, which improves the stability of cotton fabric against flame. Graphene and PVA fabricated with phosphorus functional groups make the fabric more comfortable against fire and help to avoid further spreading of fire. The composite-coated fabric sustains for a long time on continuous flame with maintaining its initial shape and size. The GPTMP-coated fabric shows flame retardancy for up to 540 s on constant flame exposure, whereas control samples such as PVA-, graphene oxide-, and TMP-coated fabrics resist for up to 15, 20, and 14 s, respectively. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flammability test (VFT) for synthesized composites were performed to confirm and support the flame retardancy property of GPTMP. The GPTMP shows the 35% LOI value and forms the char length of 2.6 cm during VFT. This work provides a simple and eco-friendly method to obtain novel GPTMP, which has a high potential as a FR for different fabrics, including cotton.     

Biodegradable poly(sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic‐ester anhydride) tamoxifen citrate implants: Preparation and in vitro characterization

The aim of this study was to prepare tamoxifen citrate loaded cylindrical polymeric implants for application at tumor sites. The implant was based on poly (sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic‐ester anhydride) 70 : 30 w/w [poly(SA‐RA) 70 : 30 w/w], a low‐melting, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer. Implants were prepared by a standardized melt manufacturing method. Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used for implant characterization. In vitro drug release studies were performed in phosphate‐buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 37 ± 2°C. The drug content was estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the tamoxifen citrate in the implants was in the amorphous state. The cumulative percentage of drug release from 10 and 20 wt % drug‐loaded poly(SA‐RA) 70 : 30 w/w implants after 30 days was found to be 42.36 and 62.60%, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Evaluation of electrophoretic immunoblotting for the detection of antibodies against the bovine leukosis virus in cattle

Six antigen preparations of bovine leukemia virus, including affinity-purified glycoprotein gp51, gradient-purified fetal lamb kidney-bovine leukemia virus antigen, and four crude antigens, were used in combination with several groups of cattle sera, for the evaluation of electrophoretic immunoblotting as a serological test method. Sera (89) from cattle naturally-infected with bovine leukosis virus, a panel of reference sera from infected and uninfected cattle (18), and serial bleedings from experimentally-infected cows (4) were used. Major differences between the six antigen preparations were observed in their reactivity with the various sera. The immunological variabilities of these antigens were confirmed further by their reactions with a gp51-specific monoclonal antibody. The known immunodominant gp51 failed as a reliable indicator for the serological status of the sera in blots when compared to the results on the same sera, two gp51-specific ELISAs and the agar gel immunodiffusion test were used as reference tests. There was a lack of staining of gp51 antigen by many sera, probably due to the labile nature of the gp51 molecule. On the other hand, non-specific staining in the gp51 region appeared with high frequency in some antigens. Antibody staining of the internal viral protein p24 correlated well with the results of the three reference tests. Other bands stained infrequently and were of no diagnostic value.