Influence of Solvent–Evaporation Effect on the Structure and Properties of PVDF-g-PNIPAAm Membranes

Temperature-sensitive poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PVDF-g-PNIPAAm) copolymer was synthesized and its flat membranes were prepared through phase inversion method with mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent in water coagulation bath. The effects of “open time” (solvent–evaporation time) on the structure and performance of membranes were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electronic microscopy, contact angle, filtration experiments and static protein adsorption. It was found that the increasing “open time” endowed the membrane with more pores on the surface, higher flux and better hydrophilicity, provided the membrane with lower protein adsorption. Thus, the copolymer membranes showed a good antiprotein fouling.     

Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Its Use for Synthesis of CNT–ZnO Heterostructures

In this article, direct coating of ZnO on PECVD-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is achieved using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Transmission electron microscopy investigation shows that the deposited ZnO shell is continuous and uniform, in contrast to the previously reported particle morphology. The ZnO layer has a good crystalline quality as indicated by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. We also show that such ZnO layer can be used as seed layer for subsequent hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods, resulting in branched CNT–inorganic hybrid nanostructures. Potentially, this method can also apply to the fabrication of ZnO-based hybrid nanostructures on other carbon nanomaterials.     

Effect of the Molecular Structure on the Adsorption Properties of Cationic Surfactants at the Air–Water Interface

The surface activity and thermodynamic properties of adsorption at the air–water interface of two series of cationic surfactants based on isourea: the O-dodecyl-N,N′-diisopropylisourea hydrochloride, hydrobromide, and hydroiodide and the O-tridecafluorooctyl-N,N′-diisopropylisourea hydrochloride and hydrobromide were studied. The effect of structural parameters as the nature of the halide counter ion and the nature of the non-polar chain on the surface activity and thermodynamic properties of adsorption were investigated. The surface parameters, the maximum surface excess concentration (Γ _max), the minimum area per molecule (A _min) at the aqueous solution-air interface, effectiveness of surface tension reduction (π_CMC), and efficiency of surface tension reduction (pC ₂₀) were estimated. The standard Gibbs free energy of adsorption, (ΔG°_ads) change has been calculated at different temperatures.     

Effect of Nitric Acid “Washing” Procedure on Electrochemical Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes and Glassy Carbon μ-Particles

The electroanalytic performances of glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-GCPE and double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT)-GCPE, which include HNO₃ washed/unwashed materials, were compared by monitoring cyclic voltammograms of potassium ferricyanide and catechol. Electrodes were prepared by introducing proper amount of DWCNT and MWCNT into GCPE. First untreated materials (DWCNT, MWCNT, GC μ-particles) were used in the electrodes and then HNO₃-treated materials were utilized for comparing difference in electrochemical performances. The effect of treatment procedure was also examined by applying Raman spectroscopy to treated and untreated materials. Moreover, TEM images were obtained for further investigation of MWCNT and DWCNT.     

Nanoindentation Creep,Nano-Impact,and Thermal Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes–Polypropylene Nanocomposites Prepared via Melt Blending

Morphological analysis of the nanocomposites showed that multi-wall carbon nanotubes were uniformly distributed in polypropylene. Nanoindentation creep and nano-impact tests were carried out. Several equations/models were used to analyze creep data. From creep test, hardness of the nanocomposites increased by 18 and 36% for C150P and C70P, respectively, compared to polypropylene, whereas elasticity also increased by 20 and 34%. From nano-impact test, hardness of the nanocomposites was also higher than that of neat polypropylene. However, hardness (dynamic/impact) values were slightly higher than the (quasi-static) hardness resulted from creep test. In addition, degree of crystallinity of nanocomposites also increased by 12.6 and 14.3%.     

Effect of Storage Conditions and Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Sunflower–Chia Oil Blends

The mixture of different proportions of sunflower with chia oil provides a simple method to prepare edible oils with a wide range of desired fatty acid compositions. Sunflower–chia (90:10 and 80:20 wt/wt) oil blends with the addition of rosemary (ROS), ascorbyl palmitate (AP) and their blends (AP:ROS) were formulated to evaluate the oxidative stability during storage at two temperature levels normally used, cool (4 ± 1 °C) and room temperature (20 ± 2 °C) for a period of 360 days. Peroxide values (PV) of the oil blends with antioxidants stored at 4 ± 1 °C showed levels ≤10.0 mequiv O₂/kg oil; the lowest levels of PV were found for blends with AP:ROS. Values higher than 10.0 mequiv O₂/kg were observed between 120–240 days for oil blends stored at 20 ± 2 °C. Similar trends were observed with p-anisidine and Totox values. The oxidative stability determined by the Rancimat method and differential scanning calorimetry showed a greater susceptibility of the oils to oxidative deterioration with increasing unsaturated fatty acids content. The addition of antioxidants increased the induction time and decreased the Arrhenius rate constant, indicating an improvement in the oxidative stability for all the oil blends. Temperature had a strong influence on the stability of these blends during storage.     

Effect of Carbon Content on Electrochemical Properties of LiFePO_4/C Composite Cathode

Olivine-type LiFePO_4/C composite cathode materials were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method in an inert atmosphere.The glucose was added as conductive precursors before the formation of the crystalline phase.The effects of glucose content on the properties of as-synthesized cathode materials were investigated.The crystal structure and the electrochemical performance were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),laser particle-size distribution measurement and electrochemical performance testing. The material has a single crystal olivine structure with grain-sizes ca.100-200 nm.SEM micrographs and the corresponding energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS)data confirm that the carbon particulates produced by glucose pyrogenation are uniformly dispersed among the LiFePO_4 grains,ensuring a good electronic contact.Impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the ohmic and kinetic contributions to the cell performance.It is found that increasing the carbon content leads to a reduction of the cell impedance due to the reduction of the charge transfer resistance.The galvanostatically charge and discharge tests show that the material obtained by adding 10% C(by mass)gives a maximum discharge capacity of 140. 8mA.h.g~(-1) at the same rate(C/10) .The material also displays a more stable cycle-life than the others.     

Effect of CNTs on precipitation hardening behavior of CNT/Al–Cu composites

The precipitation hardening behavior of CNT/Al–Cu composites was investigated by characterization of microstructure and mechanical properties after aging heat treatment. It was found that CNTs accelerated the precipitation hardening behavior of CNT/Al–Cu composites due to the generation of excess dislocations. The CNT/Al–Cu composites; after aging heat treatment, show significant increase of yield and ultimate tensile strength compared to those values for the Al–Cu matrix; the composites also show an increase rate similar to that of CNT/Al–Cu composites without aging heat treatment. It was thought that the CNT/Al–Cu composites were strengthened by both the load transfer from the Al–Cu matrix to the CNTs and by precipitation hardening of the Al–Cu matrix.     

Evaluation of the Effect of Nanosilica on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Metal–Metal and Metal–Glass Canola-Based Polyurethane/Nanosilica Adhesives

Nanocomposites with different concentration of nanofiller were prepared by adding nanosilica to the canola-based polyurethane matrix via in situ polymerization. The effect of nanosilica on the mechanical properties of adhesives was evaluated by tensile tests. Adhesive characteristics on metal–metal and metal–glass bondings were also evaluated by lap shear strength tests. Incorporation of nanosilica into the canola-based polyurethane enhanced both tensile and lap shear strength of synthesized adhesives. Also the effect of nanoparticles on glass transition temperature and thermal stability was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The increase of nanosilica content in the polyurethane adhesives, thermal property of the nanocomposites improved.     

Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide on Rh, Au and Au–Rh Bimetallic Clusters Supported on Titanate Nanotubes, Nanowires and TiO2

Supported gold, rhodium and bimetallic rhodium-core?Cgold-shell catalysts were prepared. The supports were TiO₂ as well as titanate nanotube and nanowire formed in the hydrothermal conversion of titania. The catalytic properties were tested in the CO₂ hydrogenation at 493?K. The amount and the reactivity of the surface carbonaceous deposit were determined by temperature-programmed reduction. The surfaces of the materials were characterized by X-ray photoelectron and low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEIS). The surface forms during the catalytic reaction were identified by DRIFT spectroscopy. On the XP spectra of bimetallic catalysts the existence of highly dispersed gold particles could be observed besides the metallic form on all supports. Small Rh particles could also be identified on the titanate supports. LEIS spectra demonstrated that Rh-core?CAu-shell particles formed, since no scattering from Rh was detected. The main product of CO₂ hydrogenation was CH₄ on all catalysts. IR spectra revealed the existence of CO and formate species on the surface. In addition, a new band was observed around 1,770?cm^?1 which was assigned as tilted CO. It is bonded to Rh and interacts with a nearby the oxygen vacancy of the support. Agglomeration of highly dispersed Rh was observed on bimetallic samples induced by reaction or reactant.     

Influence of Matrix Polarity on the Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate–Carbon Nanofiller Nanocomposites

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites using four kinds of EVA with 40, 50, 60, and 70 wt% vinyl acetate (VA) contents and three different carbon-based nanofillers—expanded graphite (EG), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have been prepared via solution blending. The influence of the matrix polarity and the nature of nanofillers on the morphology and properties of EVA nanocomposites have been investigated. It is observed that the sample with lowest vinyl acetate content exhibits highest mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in mechanical properties with the incorporation of various nanofillers is the highest for EVA with high VA content. This trend has been followed in both dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites. EVA copolymer undergoes a transition from partial to complete amorphousness between 40 and 50 wt% VA content, and this changes the dispersion of the nanofillers. The high VA-containing polymers show more affinity toward fillers due to the large free volume available and allow easy dispersion of nanofillers in the amorphous rubbery phase, as confirmed from the morphological studies. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites is also influenced by the type of nanofiller.     

Effect of a Shale Oil–Based Additive on the Properties of Biodiesel Fuel

Multifunctional diesel fuel additives SOMAN and SO-2E were obtained on the basis of kukersite shale oil fractions. Possibilities for the practical application of the additives in diesel engines under actual service conditions were considered. It was shown that the use of the additives decreases fuel consumption and improves the performance characteristics of the engine, including reduction in the amount of exhaust gases.     

Effect of Zr–Al Co-Doping on Structure and Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Photocatalyst

利用水热处理结合焙烧的方法分别制备了Zr、Al掺杂及Zr–Al共掺的ZnO光催化剂。研究了制备的光催化剂样品的相结构和光谱性能;以紫外光（λ=254nm）为光源,酸性橙Ⅱ为降解对象,进行光催化活性测试;考察了Zr、Al掺杂对ZnO光催化剂反应活性的影响。研究表明,制备的产物均为六方晶系纤锌矿结构的ZnO;Zr、Al掺杂及Zr–Al共掺的ZnO样品的光催化活性相对于纯ZnO均有较大程度的提高,而且Zr–Al共掺的ZnO的光催化性能明显优于单一掺杂的。Zr–Al共掺可以明显改善ZnO表面状态,使ZnO具有更丰富的表面羟基,同时可以抑制光生电子–空穴对的复合,从而有利于光催化活性和稳定性的提高。     

Three-Dimensional Structure of Barium–Cupric Nitrilotriacetate and One-Dimensional Structure of Cobalt–Cupric Nitrilotriacetate: Template Effect of Cations on the Formation of Coordination Polymers

Three mixed-metal nitrilotriacetates [Ba(H₂O)₃Co(nta)Cl]_n (1), [Ba(H₂O)₃Ni(nta)Cl]_n (2), and [Ba(H₂O)₃Cu(nta)Cl]_n (3) (H₃nta = nitrilotriacetic acid) were prepared by the reaction of M²⁺ ions (M = Co, Ni, and Cu), K₃nta, and Ba²⁺ ions in water. The reaction of complexes 1 and 2 with CuSO₄·5H₂O afforded [Co(H₂O)₆]_n[Cu₂(nta)₂]_n·2nH₂O (4) and [Ni(H₂O)₆]_n[Cu₂(nta)₂]_n·2nH₂O (5), respectively. The reaction mechanism was elucidated. The crystal structure analyses indicate that the Ba²⁺ ions formed one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chains in complex 3, and the chains were connected by Cu(nta)^? anions to form a three-dimensional network. On the other hand, in complexes 4 and 5, the Cu(nta)^? anions formed 1D zigzag chains, and the [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ (or [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺) cations existed as isolated units.     

Effect of Direct Dyes on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of α-Keratin Fibers

Fibre Chemistry - The effect of direct dyes on the physical and mechanical properties of human hair (a-keratin fibers) in the native state and subjected to bleaching with Estel haute couture...     

Effect of NiO additive on microstructure,mechanical behavior and electrical properties of 0.2PZN–0.8PZT ceramics

A NiO-added Pb((Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_0.20(Zr_0.50Ti_0.50)_0.80)O₃ system is prepared and investigated. The results reveal that Ni doping induces a phase transformation from the morphotropic phase boundary to the tetragonal phase side. Above the solubility limit of 0.3 wt% in NiO form, excess Ni ions segregate at the grain boundaries and triple junctions, which facilitate the formation of a liquid phase with excess PbO and lead to remarkable grain growth. The mechanical behavior (Vickers hardness (H_v) and fracture toughness (K_IC)) can be tailored by controlling the content of additive; this is accompanied by a transition in the fracture mode changed from transgranular without NiO additive to intergranular with 1.0 wt% NiO additive. Moreover, the NiO addition weakens the dielectric relaxor behavior and improves the piezoelectric properties simultaneously. The 0.2PZN–0.8PZT with 0.5 wt% NiO addition shows good transduction coefficient (d₃₃·g₃₃ = 10,050 × 10^?15 m²/N) and large fracture toughness (K_IC = 1.35 MPa m^1/2).     

Effect of Magnesium Oxide and the Testing Rate on the Viscosity and Adhesion Properties of Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Acrylonitrile–Butadiene Rubber Blend Based Adhesives

The effect of magnesium oxide loading on the adhesion properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50)/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR)-based pressure-sensitive adhesives was systematically investigated using 40 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) of coumarone–indene resin as the tackifier. The concentration range of magnesium oxide was from 10–50 phr. Toluene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were selected as the solvent and the substrate, respectively, throughout the experiment. A Sheen hand coater was used to coat the adhesive onto the PET substrate at various coating thicknesses. The viscosity of the adhesive was measured using a Brookfield viscometer, whereas the loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength were determined using an adhesion tester operating at 10–60 cm/min. The results indicate that the viscosity increases with magnesium oxide loading, an observation which is attributed to the concentration effect of the filler. However, loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength increase with magnesium oxide loading up to 30 phr before decreasing upon further addition of the filler. This observation is ascribed to the effect of a varying degree of wettability of the adhesive, which culminates at 30 phr of magnesium oxide loading. At a fixed loading of magnesium oxide, all the adhesion properties of adhesives increase upon increasing the coating thickness and rate of testing.     

The Effect of Yttrium Oxide on the Microstructure and Properties of Ceramics Based on Lanthanum Hexaaluminate Synthesized by the Sol–Gel Method

The effect of a sintering aid, yttrium oxide, on the properties of ceramic materials based on lanthanum hexaaluminate synthesized by a sol–gel method is studied. The synthesis of a sol of ternary oxide composition conducted via hydrolysis of a mixed salt solution leads to the formation of particles with a nucleus – shell-type structure. The synthesis of lanthanum hexaaluminate with the participation of these particles proceeds at 1000 – 1100°C, and the sintering of ceramic at 1400 – 1500°C. Ceramic based on yttrium-containing lanthanum hexaaluminate exhibits improved strength properties.