Polyolefin elastomer grafted unsaturated hindered phenol esters: synthesis and antioxidant behavior

Monomeric antioxidants are synthesized from esterification of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with unsaturated fatty alcohols. The antioxidant activity is evaluated both in blending and radical grafting processes. The effect of chain length and phenolic group is investigated on efficiency of antioxidants. It is demonstrated that the esters of 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid exhibit significantly longer induction time. The results of radical grafting reaction shows synthesized antioxidants can be successfully grafted onto polymer chains and the phenolic moiety is functional after extraction process, while pure and commercially stabilized samples are degraded instantaneously. Also, different initiator systems are utilized to enhance the extent of grafting. Among MEK, DCP, and DHBP peroxides, DHBP can be more effective in increasing the antioxidant grafted onto polymer. In addition, possibility of rising in graft content is investigated in presence of redox initiator. Using this approach, polymer-bound antioxidant with prolonged thermal stability can be achieved.     

Prediction of hot compression flow curves of Ti–6Al–4V alloy in α + β phase region

Prediction of material flow behavior is essential for designing the forming process of any material. In this research, experimental flow curves of Ti–6Al–4 V alloy were obtained using the isothermal hot compression test done at 750–950 °C with 50 °C intervals and constant strain rates of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 s⁻¹. For prediction of hot deformation flow curves two methods of modeling were applied. In the first method, an entire flow curve was modeled using Sellars equation. In the second one, modeling of a flow curve up to the peak point was carried out with Cingara model, and modeling beyond that was performed with a model developed based on the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) theory. The accuracy of each model was examined through a statistical method. Results showed that flow curve modeling using Cingara model and JMAK theory leads to results that are more consistent with the experimental data.     

Niosomal encapsulation of the antitubercular drug, pyrazinamide

It is estimated that more than one-third of the world population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pyrazinamide (PZA) plays a unique role in shortening therapy because it kills a population of semilatent tubercle bacilli residing in an acidic environment. Niosomes are vesicles made up of non-ionic surfactant and exhibit behavior similar to liposomes in vivo. Preparation of PZA niosomes took place using different molar ratios of Span 60 and Span 85, with cholesterol (CH) i.e. Span: CH (1:1) and (4:2). Dicetyl phosphate and stearyl amine were used in preparation of negative and positively charged niosomes, respectively. Free PZA was separated by cooling centrifugation and estimated spectrophotometrically at 268.4 nm. Niosomes were characterized by electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The highest percentage PZA entrapped was obtained using Span 60 and the molar ratio (4:2:1) negatively charged niosomes. This was followed by the neutral PZA neutral (4:2) Span 60 niosomes. Biological evaluation of selected PZA niosomal formulations took place on guinea pigs infected with M. tuberculosis. The present work is an attempt to target maximum concentration of PZA to the affected site (lungs) and to exclude undesirable side effects and decrease toxicity. Macrophage targeting and overcoming drug resistance is our final goal.     

A new predictor parameter for production rate of ornamental stones

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - In this study, a new predictor parameter (NPP), which is based on the product of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Mohs hardness (MH),...     

Porous phosphatic materials of agronomical interest:Synthesis and study of their dissolution

Phosphatic materials of agronomic interest were synthesised. These materials of good mechanical quality and of significant porosity show high P₂O₅ contents (up to 28%). They have been prepared by treatment of volcanic pumices with a solution of phosphoric acid (1N, 5N or 10N) at 200°C in a closed system for 72h using a mass solid/liquid ratio of 1:3.After reaction, the precipitation of amorphous phosphates and crystalline aluminium phosphates has been detected by XRD both outside and inside of the material. The morphological study by SEM reveals several crystalline forms of aluminium phosphates: crystals of small size migrate into the internal porosity of the pumices and crystals of berlinite appear (AlPO₄) well developed in a matrix of amorphous phosphate overlapping the initial material.Normal tests of reactivity in water and in 2% citric acid show that the percentages of released P₂O₅ in solution are greater after treatment with weak concentrations of phosphoric acid. Lixiviation of treated materials with citric acid reagent shows that, after three days of reaction, losses in weight are considerable and the kinetic curves of phosphorus liberation present a linear evolution.The fertilizing value of these materials did not decrease during the leaching; so phosphorus will be solubilized with time thus allowing these materials to gain a good agronomical availability and to propose their use as delayed fertilizer types for tropical agricultural soils.