Carbon-fiber composites of organometallic intercalated polyaniline and polypyrrole doped with sodium polystyrene sulfonate as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Carbon fiber (CF) composites of organometallic intercalated polyaniline (Pani) and polypyrrole (Ppy) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) were electrochemically synthesized and tested as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. From the results obtained by cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, it was concluded that the incorporation of copper(II) ions in the polymeric composite was successfully attained by adsorption of Cu²⁺ ions and 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMcT) monomers on the carbon microfibers. The experimental electrochemical impedance response of the obtained Pani(DMcT–Cu ion)/CF composite was simulated by adequate equivalent electrical circuits. After 20 charge/discharge cycles, the experimental discharge specific capacity of the Pani(DMcT–Cu ion)/CF composite was 118 mA h g⁻¹ (100% coulombic efficiency) using a 1 mol L⁻¹ LiClO₄ solution in propylene carbonate, and 110 mA h g⁻¹ when a polymeric electrolyte was used. In the charge/discharge tests of the Ppy-PSS/Pani/CF composite as anode, a high discharge specific capacity of 225 mA h g⁻¹ was obtained after 20 cycles. The resulting Ppy-PSS/Pani/CF/polymeric electrolyte/Pani(DMcT–Cu ion)/CF battery presented a specific capacity of 62 mA h g⁻¹ and could be charged up to 2.0 V, yielding an energy density 425 W h g⁻¹, with a coulombic efficiency of about 98%.     

Abrasion Characteristics of Ores

Effects of time and size on t₁₀, the abrasion parameter (fineness indicator) using a calibration model for a given ore type is presented. A model for predicting t₁₀ from a small diameter core material for any ore type is also presented. The ores studied are: Ok Tedi 1, Ok Tedi 2, Red Dome, Alcoa, and Broken Hill. Shape factor of the particles that varies with both the particle size and the ore type affects the abrasion characteristics. Abrasion process in a tumbling mill is described by two mechanisms namely (1) chipping, and (2) abrasion, occurring at different rates. The chipping phenomenon depends on the ore and the shape factor. The abrasion phenomenon is independent of t₁₀° (t₁₀° is the ore-specific t₁₀ at 7 × 10^?4 kWh/t tumbling test energy) and the shape factor. Abrasion process occurs at a much slower rate compared to the chipping process. Transition between chipping and abrasion occurs approximately after 2 min of tumbling. The long-term rate is controlled by the abrasion or attrition rather than by the chipping mechanism.     

Plasma sputtering as a novel method for improving fastness and antibacterial properties of dyed cotton fabrics

Improving the fastness properties and antibacterial activity of dyed cotton samples is the main goal of this research work. First, cotton fabrics were dyed with various types of dyestuffs such as direct, vat, and reactive. Then, prepared samples were sputtered using plasma sputtering system for 15?s by silver and copper. In this study, we have used a DC magnetron sputtering system for deposition of metal nanolayer on the surface of samples. Samples were placed on the anode. The cathode particles were scattered by attacking active ions, radicals, and electrons. After plasma treatment, the reflection factor of sputtered samples was measured using reflective spectrophotometer. Also wash and light fastness properties of both sputtered and non-sputtered samples were compared according to ISO standards. The antibacterial efficiency was determined by bacterial counting test. The antibacterial properties of the fabrics were connected with the presence of metal on their surface. Silver or copper particles were deposited on the surface of cotton samples, and the antibacterial activity has been developed, through incorporation of metal nanoparticles on fabric surfaces. The results show that sputtering technique can be a novel method for improving the fastness properties of dyed cotton samples.     

Carbon nanotube and its applications in textile industry – A review

One of the major components of nanotechnology is Carbon nanotube (CNT) that can have a length-to-diameter ratio more than 1,000,000. They are used in several fields in material science, due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, which are anisotropic. Different techniques have been developed to produce CNT. They have good potential for applications in various technological areas such as nanoelectronic, biotechnology, material science, polymer, composite, and textile industries. In this paper, recent researches on application of CNT in textile industry are reviewed. Treatment of textiles with CNT leads to the production of a wide variety of conductive textiles with different electrical properties. The wear performances of fabrics apply with CNT to open the potentiality of producing composite materials for conventional and innovative applications, ranging from conventional apparel and sportswear to protective clothing, heating equipment, automotive textiles, building covering, geo-textiles, biomedical textiles, etc.     

In situ synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles on plasma treated cotton fabric utilizing durable antibacterial activity

In this research work, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were in situ synthesized by the sonochemical method at room temperature on both untreated and plasma pre-treated cotton woven fabric. Air plasma was used for pre-functionalization of cotton fabric. And the effect of plasma pre-functionalization on the adhesion properties between ZnO nanoparticles and the cotton surface were studied.

The results show that nanoparticles with average sizes of 20–90 nm with different morphologies have been created on the surface of samples. Characterization studies were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Inductive coupled plasma (ICP). The antibacterial activities of the fabrics were assessed by the colonies count method. The results show that the finished fabric demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the antibacterial test. The wash fastness of both untreated and plasma pre-treated samples after 30 times of washing was investigated. The results showed that the parameters of plasma reactor play a very important role in improving the antibacterial durability.     

Batch Stille Coupling with Insoluble and Recyclable Stannylated Polynorbornenes

The Stille coupling can be carried out in a batch process using insoluble tin supports. The new type of support consists of stannylated polymers based on the vinylic polynorbornene skeleton that allow one to use a set‐up where the tin reagent is immobilized in a column. The immobilized stannylated polymeric reagent can be easily reused. The coupling products are thus obtained by a very simple work‐up procedure and have very low levels of tin contamination.     

Electrospinning collagen and hyaluronic acid nanofiber meshes

Collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) are main components of the extracellular matrix and have been utilized in electrospinning; a technique that creates nanosized fibers for tissue scaffolds. A collagen/HA polymer solution was electrospun into a scaffold material for osteoporosis patients who have reduced bone strength. To synthesize nanofibers, a high voltage was applied to the polymer solution to draw out nanofibers that were collected on a ground plate as a uniform mesh. The meshes were then crosslinked to render them insoluble and conjugated with gold nanoparticles to promote biocompatibility. Characterization of the mesh was performed using scanning electron microscope, electron dispersive spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A WST-1 assay determined the potential biocompatibility. The results show that collagen/HA scaffolds were developed that were insoluble in aqueous solutions and promoted cellular attachment that could be used as a tissue engineered scaffold to promote cell growth.     

Populations of the Gall Midge Dasineura oxycoccana on Cranberry and Blueberry Produce and Respond to Different Sex Pheromones

We identified and field-tested the sex pheromones of Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) midges collected from cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton, and from highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., commonly named cranberry tipworm (CTW) and blueberry gall midge (BGM), respectively. Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extract from the ovipositor of calling CTW females revealed one component (<10 pg per ovipositor/pheromone gland) that elicited antennal responses from CTW males. Stepwise identification was based on its mass spectrum in a concentrated sample with 300 pheromone gland equivalents, retention indices (RI) on three GC columns (DB-5, DB-23, and DB 210), RI inter-column differentials, and RIs and double bond positions of other midge pheromones. These analyses indicated that (8Z)-2,14-diacetoxy-8-heptadecene (2,14-8Z-17) was the candidate pheromone of the CTW. GC-EAD analysis of pheromone gland extract from calling BGM females revealed two components that elicited antennal responses from BGM males. Retention times on the three GC columns were consistent with 2,14-8Z-17 and 2,14-17, indicating that these were candidate pheromone components of the BGM. The four stereoisomers of 2,14-8Z-17 were stereoselectively synthesized and field-tested in cranberry. Delta-type traps baited with SS-2,14-8Z-17 captured significantly more CTW males than did traps baited with any other single stereoisomer or with all four stereoisomers combined. In blueberry, delta-type traps baited with RR-2,14-8Z-17 captured significantly more BGM males than did traps baited with any other single stereoisomer or with all four stereoisomers combined. Subsequent field experiments demonstrated that RR-2,14-17 is the major pheromone component of BGM, and that RR-2,14-8Z-17 is a pheromone component that does not enhance attractiveness of RR-2,14-17. The BGM pheromone RR-2,14-17 has no antagonistic effect on the CTW pheromone SS-2,14-8Z-17 and vice versa. Our results substantiate the conclusion that populations of D. oxycoccana on cranberry and blueberry represent two cryptic species.