Preparation and Properties of High Performance Multilayered PANi/PMMA/PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG/FGHMDA Nanocomposites via in Situ Polymerization

In this attempt, novel conjugated polymer/graphite nanocomposites with exposed surface area were fabricated by in situ polymerization using polyaniline, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) block- poly(propylene glycol) as matrices and functionalized graphite as a filler. Structural and morphological analysis revealed the modification of graphite as well as oxidative polymerization of numerous matrices over the surface of modified graphite ensuing multilayered nanocomposites. The increased values of T_g (59 and 103°C) obtained from thermal analysis reflect the improved thermal stability of prepared nanocomposites and exhibit better adsorption capacity (35.5cm³/g). Maximum electrical conductivity (7.4 S/cm) was also observed for multilayered nanocomposite.     

ZnO:Al thin films from (Al2O3)x(ZnO)(1-x) powder targets by magnetron sputtering

In the present work we prepared Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) thin films from powder targets. Various concentrations (W/W percentages) of Al₂O₃ such as1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7% and 8% were mixed in ZnO powder and made in the form of a 3 inch disc target. These ceramic targets are sputtered in RF magnetron sputtering unit for the deposition of AZO thin films. Optical and electrical properties are analyzed to get an optimized percentage of mixing for achieving high transparency and low resistivity. At Al₂O₃ percentage of 3% there is a considerable decrement in the resistivity, and at 7% there is a considerable decrease in the optical transmittance. Mobility and carrier concentration are increasing with Al₂O₃ percentage. Bandgap of the films is observed to be decreasing with increasing the Al₂O₃ percentage.     

Effect of packaging materials and fluorescent light on HTST-pasteurized orange drink

Summary HTST-pasteurized orange drink packed in clear, green and amber glass bottles and coextruded wax laminated paper (TetraPak), was exposed to fluorescent light of 50–60 ft-C for 32 days at ambient room temperature. Chemical analysis revealed significant effect of packages and light on different quality parameters during storage (P<0.05). Ascorbic acid losses amounted 60.6%, 54.6%, 51.0%, and 45.5% in clear glass, green glass, TetraPak, and amber glass respectively against 42.4% in the unexposed control during 32 days storage. Titratable acidity, Brix, Brix-acid ratio, light transmission and cloud-settling generally showed an increasing pattern with advanced storage. Brown glass gave the best protection followed by TetraPak, green glass and clear glass. Evaluation of the drink for sensory components indicated a congruent pattern of changes in the ratings which correlated with the packaging materials tested.

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Einfluß der Verpackung und von fluoreszierendem Licht auf ultrahocherhitzten Orangensaft

Zusammenfassung Ultrahocherhitztes Orangengetränk in durchsichtigen, grünen bzw. gelbbraunen Glasflaschen und TetraPak-Verpackung wurde bei Raumtemperatur 32 Tage lang fluoreszierendem Licht (50–60 ft-C) ausgesetzt. Die chemische Analyse ergab einen signifikanten Einfluß der Verpackung and des Lichtes auf verschiedene Qualitätsparameter während der Lagerung (P<0,05). Die Ascorbinsäure-Verluste betrugen im durchsichtigen Glas 60,6%, im grünen Glas 54,6%, in TetraPak 51,0% und im gelbbraunen Glas 45,5% bezogen auf die Kontrollprobe mit 42,4% nach 32 Tagen. Der titrierbare Säuregrad, die Brix-Werte bzw. deren Verhältnis, die Lichtdurchlässigkeit und der Trub zeigten zunehmende Werte nit fortschreitender Lagerung. Danach gibt das braune Glas den besten Schutz, gefolgt von TetraPak, grünen Glas and schließlich durchsichtigen Glas. Die sensorische Wertung ging konform nit den Einfluß des Verpackungsmaterials.

     

Potentiometric stripping analysis of selected heavy metals in biological materials

Different biological materials such as edible oils, refined and unrefined cane and beet sugar and tea (black and green) leaves were assayed for the heavy metals cadmium, copper, lead and zinc. The results revealed significant differences in heavy metal contents within each class of the biological materials (P < 0.05). Cadmium was not detectable in sugar samples. Among the oils, highest amounts of copper (0.263 μg/g) and lead (0.154 μg/g) were in corn oil and zinc in olive oil (3.01 μg/g) whereas cadmium exhibited a narrow range (0.023–0.033 μg/g). The samples of beet-sugar generally contained higher levels of the heavy metals than cane-sugar. Black and green tea leaves contained 0.411–0.908 μg Cd/g, 6.500–9.220 μg Cu/g, 2.200–5.238 μg Pb/g, and 14.500–25.180 μg Zn/g.