Regenerated cellulose nanocomposites reinforced with exfoliated graphite nanosheets using BMIMCL ionic liquid

Green nanocomposites of regenerated cellulose/exfoliated graphite nanosheets films with low nanofiller loadings were prepared using environmentally benign 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) ionic liquid. X-ray diffraction revealed well developed intercalated nanocomposites. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the prepared nanocomposites were increased by 97.5% and 172% respectively when 0.75 wt.% and 1 wt.% exfoliated graphite nanosheets were added. The results were validated using the Halpin–Tsai model. The exfoliated graphite nanosheets were unidirectionally aligned in the regenerated cellulose parallel to the surface of the nanocomposites as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Also, the TEM and FESEM revealed uniform dispersion of the exfoliated graphite nanosheets and good interaction between the nanofillers and the matrix. The addition of the exfoliated graphite nanosheets enhanced the thermal stability and reduced the water absorption and diffusivity of the nanocomposites.     

Single-electron transfer living radical copolymerization of SWCNT-g-PMMA via graft from approach

The sidewall functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was established by poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using controlled radical polymerization (CRP) method. A bromide functionalized SWCNT (SWCNT-Br) has been used as an initiator for the synthesis of SWCNT-graft-PMMA (SWCNT-g-PMMA). The efficiency of the sacrificial initiator (S) was monitored during the polymerization process. The obtained polymers possess a uniform distribution of molecular weight with a lower polydispersity index of 1.36. The SWCNTs-based initiator acts as an efficient medium for the controlled growth of polymer on the SWCNTs surfaces. The presence of bimodal gel permeation chromatographic (GPC) curve for the SWCNT-g-PMMA(S) obtained through sacrificial initiator (S) confirms uncontrolled behavior. However, the clear sharp peak for SWCNT-g-PMMA obtained without sacrificial initiator shows its well-controlled process of polymerization, which acts as a mimic to bone cement. The efficiency of the functionalization of SWCNT and the controlled formation of SWCNT-g-PMMA composites were characterized by TGA, Raman, TEM, NMR, XPS and dispersion measurements.     

A Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for Quantification of Steryl Glucosides in Biodiesel

Steryl glucosides (SG) are common contaminants in biodiesel that form precipitates, which form and cause problems due to fouling during transport and storage. Therefore, their quantification is necessary to assess the quality of this fuel. The methods currently available for SG analysis require expensive instrumentation, need a previous concentration step by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) or are of limited use for the quantitative assessment. We developed an enzymatic method for SG quantification in biodiesel samples based on the hydrolysis of the glucoside catalyzed by a broadly specific beta glucosidase and the subsequent determination of the glucose released by the reaction. The method is non‐expensive, sensitive and was adapted to 96‐well format fluorescence plate reader, making it useful for the parallel assay of multiple samples. The enzymatic assay presented here represent a valuable tool for both quality control and the development of improved biodiesel production and purification procedures.     

Numerical modelling of the carrier gas phase in a laboratory-scale coal classifier model

The pneumatic transport of fine ideally combustible coal dust to the burner furnace is an important process in coal fired power plants. The strongly swirling air phase responsible for the particle separation and transport in a coal pulverising mill was characterised experimentally and numerically. Measurements of the swirl velocity component were taken in a scaled laboratory model of the device and compared to CFD model. In particular, an evaluation of the turbulence models used to describe the flow was performed. The modified isotropic k-epsilon turbulence models (RNG k-ε and Realizable k-ε) were compared to the anisotropic Reynolds stress model (RSM) and their ability to predict the bulk flow structure present in the classifier was assessed. The experiments showed that the swirling flow structure, responsible for coarse-fine particle classification, has several flow regimes which are governed by the areas it is bounded by. The numerical model predictions generally corroborate the results. However, a distinction in performance between the three models can be made based on accuracy, solution generation time and numerical stability. The RSM model predicted both the trends and magnitude the most accurately when compared to the isotropic models. However, the Realizable k-epsilon model, with its relatively low solution generation time, shows potential when using CFD as a classifier design optimization tool. The investigation has given some insight on single phase classifier flow and suggests a design improvement based on the results.     

One-against-all ensemble for multiclass pattern classification

This paper presents a new method called one-against-all ensemble for solving multiclass pattern classification problems. The proposed method incorporates a neural network ensemble into the one-against-all method to improve the generalization performance of the classifier. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the uncertainty of the decision and it is comparable to the other widely used methods.     

Combined cross-linking treatments of bovine serum albumin gel beadlets for controlled-delivery of caffeine

Combined cross-linking agents (CCLA) of microbial transglutaminase (MTgase) and ribose were applied during production of bovine serum albumin gels via incubation and heating treatment, respectively. CCLA produced stronger gels with lower protein solubility in disruptive solvents (1% sodium dodecyl sulphate plus 1% β-mercaptoethanol) as compared to BSA gels (BSA/Control) or gels produced using single cross-linking agents (SCLA) of MTGase or ribose. The gels were then converted into dried beadlets containing caffeine following a freeze-drying process. In-vitro controlled-release of caffeine and swelling ratio studies of the beadlets in artificial saliva or simulated gastric fluid indicated that CCLA beadlets had the slowest release of caffeine and the lowest swelling ratio as compared to other beadlets. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data suggested that the improved release and the lower swelling ratio were mainly due to the denser network formed within the CCLA beadlets that had restricted the diffusion of caffeine and hampered the enzymatic breakdown of the matrix. The additional protein cross-linkings formed as a result of MTgase incubation and ribose-induced Maillard reaction could provide a delay action in releasing caffeine that potentially extend the duration of the action of the drug during ingestion.     

Effect of extraction conditions on yield and degree of esterification of durian rind pectin: An experimental design

The effect of time (1 and 4 h), pH (2.0 and 2.5) and temperature (80 and 90 °C) on yield and degree of esterification (DE) of durian rind pectin was investigated. The yield and DE of the extracted pectin ranged from 2.1 to 10.3% (w/w, based on dry weight of durian rind) and 45.6–64.8% respectively. Yield was significantly affected by time, temperature and pH, and interactions between temperature and pH, and heating time and pH. DE was significantly affected by heating time and pH, and interactive effects of temperature and pH, and heating time and pH. The extraction yield was not related to DE. By considering pectin yield and DE, the acid extraction of durian rind pectin at 80 °C, for 4 h and at pH 2.5 could be suitable.     

Optimisation of rancidity stability in long‐chain PUFA concentrates obtained from a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by‐product

This research was focused on the production of polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrates from a farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by‐product (i.e. belly muscle). The effect of different process variables (urea/fatty acids (FA) contents ratio, crystallisation time and temperature and stirring speed of the urea/FA mixture) on the lipid oxidation development during the urea complexation process was investigated. For this purpose, an experimental design (26 runs) following the response‐surface methodology was developed. As a result, peroxide value and TOTOX index showed to be dependent on the crystallisation time and temperature and the urea/FA ratio, while no influence of the crystallisation stirring speed was detected on both indices; additionally, polyene index was affected by the urea/FA ratio and its interaction with the crystallisation time. An optimised desirability score near 1.0 was attained provided values of 2.8 °C, 3.05 h and 3.57 were applied for crystallisation temperature, crystallisation time and urea/FA ratio, respectively.     

Spectroscopic characterization of 1,5-diphenyl-3,7-dihydroxy-1,5-diazacyclooctane — (8C ring compound) formed in N,N-diglycidylanaline/aniline curing systems

Summary A NMR and infrared analysis of the cyclic product formed by the reaction of N,N-diglycidylaniline with aniline confirms the structure of an eight-membered ring (I). The conformational structure of this compound is discussed.