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This study aims to determine the effect of the curing method using electron beams as an effort to substitute the fixation process using metal in the dyeing process of ramie batik. The study was conducted by combining the tegeran (Cudrania javanensis) natural dye with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and a small amount of alum (K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O), which was then used for batik coloring. The results showed that we can use the fixation process using electron beam irradiation as an alternative in the batik dyeing process because the process is effective, efficient, and produces environmentally friendly products. The fixation irradiation dose affects the quality of the fastness of batik. At doses of 20 and 60 kGy, it has good color fastness, especially in the color fastness test to 40 oC washing and rubbing. However, the color fastness test against sunlight gave poor results. The optimal color aging value was obtained at the 60 kGy dose level with a value of 1.62. In testing the morphology of non-irradiated and irradiated ramie batik using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), imaging results showed that there were morphological changes on the surface of ramie batik. The results of the functional group analysis test using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of cross-links in ramie batik. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is about the production of tinted film for helmet visors and windshields that possibly meet the specifications. The use of tinted film must comply with the regulations from Road Transport Department Malaysia. The permitted visible light transmission (VLT) percentages of 70% for the front windscreen, 50% for the front side windows, and 30% for the rear windows and the rear windscreen. Nowadays, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as a plastic film window and distinguished primarily by the fact that a wide range of molecular weights and degree levels are generated in a single multi-product polymerization process. Natural and synthetic dyes differ fundamentally in terms of stability and cost. Furthermore, most synthetic dyes are not biodegradable, they accumulate on lands and in river causing ecological problems. This research used onion peels as natural dyes for the fabrication of tinted film. The objective of this research is to study the properties of onion peels as a tinted film using lux meter for brightness, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for bonding and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy for absorbance properties. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) granules, glycerine, acetic acid and onion peels were mixed for the fabrication of tinted film. The result for tinted film shows less light penetrating the glass mirror. While the morphology shows an uneven surface and it is supported by a FTIR and UV-Visible that shows there is a peak shift in onion peels tinted film. Therefore, onion peel dye shows a higher possibility as a tinted film for helmet visors and windshields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has been carried out on the inhibition efficiency of expired metformin drugs as a corrosion inhibitor for boiler pipes. Metformin is highly soluble in water, contains five nitrogen atoms, which provides adsorption in the formation of thin films on metal substrates, and has considerable anti-corrosion behaviour. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of Metformin expired drugs to inhibit corrosion and optimize the use of Metformin expired drugs. The research was conducted by characterizing the steel pipe sample using optical emission spectroscopy (OES), characterizing the expired Metformin drug sample using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), measuring the corrosion rate and inhibition efficiency using the weight-loss method, and surface morphology analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the characterization of the steel pipe sample showed that the sample was composed of Fe, C, Si, Mn, P, S, Cr, Mo, Ni, Al, Co, Cu, Nb, Ti, V, W, and Pb elements. The characterization of expired drug samples showed stretching of the amine group at wavelengths 3369.5 cm-1 and 3295 cm-1, proving that Metformin was present in the expired drug. The results of the weight loss test showed that expired Metformin was able to inhibit corrosion with its optimal condition being at temperature 70oC with 25 ppm inhibitor, and the inhibition efficiency reached 73.54%. At temperature 50oC with 50 ppm inhibitor, the inhibition efficiency reached 84.81% in the corrosive medium NaCl. 3%. The SEM micrographs show the surface of the steel that does not use inhibitor looks damaged and has holes, while the surface of the steel that uses inhibitor looks smoother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, a nano-hybrid composite material consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA) was prepared as a matrix material in which nanoparticles of titanium oxide (TiO2) diffused at a rate of 20% as a weight percentage of the weight of the polymer by means of direct physical mixing to form a colloidal solution. The visual as well as the formality by scanning electron microscope (SEM), XRD, FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy. The results of the XRD proved that the hybrid superposition is due to the presence of diffraction peaks belonging to the polymer as well as belonging to the titanium oxide. The optical properties were studied by means of the absorption spectrum of the nano-hybrid, and the direct energy gap was calculated, and it was approximately equal to 3.71 eV. The morphological characteristics, as shown by the transmission microscope images, were in the form of small spherical particles collected inside the polymer forming clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to utilize alum sludge, also known as water treatment residual (WTR) from water treatment plant for preparing sludge reagent product (SRP) as coagulant in removing turbidity of kaolin suspension and river water. The WTR was characterized by examine the inorganic component (functional group, and surface morphology using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) respectively. WTR had an amorphous structure and contained high aluminum metal constituents with 35.4 %, which can be recovered as coagulant. Acidification was conducted to recover these aluminium in WTR by using sulphuric acid and produced SRP. The optimum condition of SRP prepared from WTR was evaluated through parameters such as sludge concentration, normality and dosage of acid. It has been observed that 1 % sludge concentration acidified with 0.08 ml/ml sludge and 2.0 N H2SO4 of SRP gave the maximum percentage turbidity removal of 99.46 %. The performance of SRP in coagulation-flocculation process by using a standard jar test was studied based on the effect of pH, kaolin concentration, and SRP dosage. The highest percentage turbidity removal (99.79 %) was obtained at pH 7, kaolin concentration of 800 mg/L, and SRP dosage of 80 mg/L. The SRP performance was also compared to alum coagulant. The percentage turbidity removal of river water for both coagulants were almost similar, with 90.60 % for SRP and 91.18 % for alum respectively. Thus, SRP has the potential to replace commercial coagulant in water treatment plant in terms of costing and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of flexible polyurethane (PU) waste as potential fillers relatively cheap can be introduced in the foam matrix. The flexible PU waste from the local industry initially soaks in the 0.05 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution as an alkaline cleaning agent and shieve to size 300nm, namely as flexible PU waste untreated. Next, the flexible PU waste filler treated was produced by different preparation treatments methods such as microwave and drying ovens. The physical properties of flexible PU waste filler treated and untreated were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), respectively. The morphology structure measurement gives significant changes of pore cell size of flexible PU waste filler. The increased time and temperature by different fabrication techniques may affect the physical surface PU filler. This is probably due to the higher reactivity of isocyanates with any compound having moving hydrogen for instance water. According to FTIR result, the mid-IR spectrum of microwave detected 3296 – 2866 cm−1 while drying oven is 3300 – 2970 cm−1 attributed of OH and NH functional group. TGA confirmed three thermal degradation zones between 110 ℃ and 230 ℃, indicating the degradation of non-reacted compounds and the presence of the drying oven and microwave due to water loss. It shows that the weight percentage loss for flexible PU waste filler treated by drying oven 98.821 % is more volatile than the weight percentage loss for flexible PU waste filler treated by drying oven 98.821 % is more volatile than microwave 98.681 %. This is due to the water was vaporize during the drying oven treatment. In a nutshell, the potential flexible PU waste filler treated by the drying oven is the best potential as compared to treated by microwave due to microwave processing method risk of overheating and burning the PU filler powder. This also proved that the treated by drying oven is an effective method with good wettability compared to the microwave oven. As a recommendation for the future, flexible PU waste filler treated by the drying method can be used as a composite filler due to the high elasticity of the bond resisting dynamic loading and resistance to increased moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, simple and low-cost hydrothermal synthesis of Cu2O/ZnO nanocomposites with good photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was fully investigated. The effect of various molar ratio of copper nitrate and zinc acetate (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) as precursor on the morphology, crystallinity and functional group were studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used for characterizations. FESEM results indicate that the nanoflake-like structure with thickness of 130, 115 and 133 nm for 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 samples. FTIR revealed that the formation of Cu was incorporated into ZnO and XRD analysis described the higher crystallinity of 1:2 samples without any other impurities. Accordingly, photocatalytic degradation of MB was achieved at 96% with 1:2 photocatalyst sample under 120 min of visible light irradiation. Our finding demonstrate that Cu2O/ZnO (1:2) can be potentially used as photocatalyst for effective degradation of methylene blue dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) are the second-highest waste produced in the oil palm industry which is 18 022 tonnes in a year. However, the presence of oil palm waste especially from empty fruit bunch (EFB) give a major problem to the disposal. Herein, EFB waste has been identified as a potential carbon source for synthetic graphite production. This is due to implement the lower heating temperature of synthetic graphite produced in controlled heating conditions. Several parameters have been manipulated to study the effect of various parameters on the graphitization process. Hence, in this study, the effect of soaking time towards graphitization of empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste has been investigated. EFB waste was heat treated with various soaking times which is 2 hours, 2.5 hours and 3 hours in controlled heating conditions with constant heating temperature at 500°C and heating rate at 10°/minute After heating treatment, the samples were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and analyzed by X'Pert Highscore Plus software. The functional group of synthetic graphite was determined by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphological study was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). From the analysis, the best synthetic graphite produced is at the 2.5 hours soaking time with a constant heating temperature at 500°C and a constant heating rate at 10°/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was synthesized by a precipitation method using zinc from waste zinc-carbon battery as a source. ZnO in microparticle dimension was formed after dissolving Zn source in concentrated nitric acid followed by neutralization of NaOH before drying the precipitate at 105oC. Similarly, ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared succeeding the procedure of ZnO microparticles however in neutralization step, it was combined NaOH and capping agent of 0.5% w/v amylum before annealing stage of the precursor at 400oC. The structure and composition of ZnO microparticles and ZnO nanoparticles were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of ZnO observed by SEM exhibited ZnO microparticles in irregular shape such flakes while ZnO nanoparticles were in spherical shape with the particle size was 80-100 nm. The FT-IR spectra indicated the Zn-O bond vibration in ZnO nanoparticles indicating the blue shift features due to thermal effects as compared to Zn-O bond vibration in ZnO microparticles. Furthermore, the XRD peaks revealed ZnO nanoparticles are highly crystalline and having the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure while ZnO microparticles are lowly crystalline and having characteristic peaks of the precursor. The effect of particle size caused significant differences on ZnO characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of plant extract inhibitors is the best alternative because it does not contain heavy metals and is nontoxic, environmently friendly, biodegradable, easy to obtain, inexpensive and available in large quantities. In this study, pomelo leaves were extracted in ethanolic media and characterized by using Gas chromatography - Mass spectroscopy GC-MS and Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy FTIR. Results showed that extract contain large numbers of organic compounds. The ability of pomelo leaves extract (PLE) to act as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel alloys in an acidic environment was investigated through potentiostatic polarization and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Results obtained revealed that PLE can inhibite the corrosion of carbon steel in 0.5 M HCl solution. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of PLE increases with increasing PLE concentration and decreases with increasing temperature.Tafel plots showed that PLE behave as mixed type inhibitor Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed a formation of protective film on the surface of the carbon steel. Adsorption of PLE molecules on the carbon steel surface in the presence of hydrochloric acid obayed Langmuir isotherm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the synthesis of mesoporous silica (MCM-48) has been carried out by utilizing MCM-48 as an adsorbent for congo red (CR) dye. MCM-48 was synthesized hydrothermally using ludox HS40 as a silica source, CTAB and Triton X-100 as a template. Characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the optimum adsorption time of congo red by MCM-48 was 25 minutes. The adsorption capacity was determined by carrying out adsorption at various concentrations at the optimum time. Adsorption isotherms were determined using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms with the adsorption capacity of MCM-48 of 185,185 mg/g. Through kinetics experiments that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics equation model. This study shows that mesoporous carbon can be recommended as a good adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation issues were increased dramatically every year especially in order for the production of paper. This was caused by the demand for making paper and furniture from wood sources. The supply of paper nowadays all depends on the wood. This experiment has been conducted to analyses the viability of magnetic pineapple leaves paper as a replacement for paper production and to analyses the morphology properties of pineapple leaves fiber. The introduction of filler in this research is to alter one or more paper properties such as texture, opacity, brightness, basis weight, dimensional stability, ink absorbency and overall printability. Commonly, most fillers are from clay, titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate. Thus, the ferrite magnet was used as the filler to ensure it has the same properties as the commercial filler. The pineapple leaves fiber then will be undertaking Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) which was used for characterization. Through the characterization under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the surface morphology of the magnetics pineapple leaves paper was changed due to the effect of the gamma radiation and by the degradation on the pineapple leaves fiber. Besides, for FTIR spectroscopy, the result indicated that pineapple leaves fiber was suitable for papermaking where the absorption peak is between 3400 - 2400 cm−1 and shows the presence of O-H and C-H bonds in polysaccharides for both magnetic and non-magnetic irradiated pineapple leaves paper. The magnetics pineapple leaves paper shows the good properties, as well as other commercial papers and this, will give many benefits to reduce the use of wood for making pulp and one of the efforts towards green technology and new invention on papermaking production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of high quality and large lateral dimension of graphene flakes has been the main interest of researchers. Synthesis methods including chemical vapor deposition, epitaxial growth and micromechanical cleavage guarantees the desired results, but the cost is high. Electrochemical exfoliation, however, is one of the fast and low-cost alternatives in the synthesis of graphene flakes. In this work, the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite utilized four types of electrolytes. The electrochemical cell was designed using copper foils as the cathode whereas graphite pencil rods as the anode which connected to the DC power supply. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the exfoliated graphene samples contained very low quantity of oxygen functional groups. On the other hand, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology in which the surface of exfoliated graphene flakes showed wrinkles structure. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) has confirmed that the exfoliated graphene samples primarily contain carbon, oxygen, and platinum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that exfoliated graphene samples showed a significant peak at about 2θ =26 ° corresponded to graphite and a low peak at about 10° corresponded to graphene oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk is one of the most agricultural wastes in the milling process. It contains the highest amount composition of silica (SiO2) compared with other agricultural waste. Rice husk can be utilized to produce various types of useful renewable resources, which contain silica (SiO2) husk. Rice husk was collected from Kuala Kedah, Kedah. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) has been used as leaching solution. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of acetic acid on rice husk. Raw rice husk and leached rice husk were subjected to thermal treatment at 800 °C for 3 hours in the furnace. Raw rice husk and leached rice husk has been analysed using X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest mass percent silica (SiO2) content which is 97.4% under the optimum condition with 5% of acetic acid, 90 °C solution temperature, and 30 minutes stirring time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, an attempt to synthesize a highly mesoporous carbon (MC) was done from Ceiba pentandra. Ceiba pentandra was prepared under carbonization and oxidation process at 500 °C at a heating rate of 5 °C min-1 for 30 min and 300 °C for 3 h respectively. The iodine number and percentage yield of the prepared MC was 1463.926 mgg−1 and 99.85% respectively. The raw material and the prepared MC were preliminary characterized by several characterization methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and CHNS/O Analyzer. FTIR analysis showed difference in IR functional groups of raw and prepared MC. Many functional groups that present in the raw material were disappeared for prepared MC due to the carbonization and oxidation process. In raw material, a strong absorption peak present at 1736.58 cm−1 indicates the presence of carbonyl group (C=O) due to existence of hemicellulose and lignin. However, the peak disappeared for the prepared MC. SEM showed no pores formation for the raw material but, enhanced porosity with an opening hole was observed for the MC. While, CHNS/O analyzer confirmed the increased in the carbon content in the prepared MC (63.84%) compared to the raw Ceiba pentandra (43.54%). This research showed a great venture in the utilization of waste biomass into quality mesoporous carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an attempt to synthesize highly porous activated carbon (ZnCl2−AC) was carried out from dried rind Garcinia xanthochymus with 1:1.5 impregnation ratio of Raw material: ZnCl2, impregnation time of 30 min and activation temperature of 400 °C. The raw material and ZnCl2−AC were characterized by CHNS/O analyzer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. ZnCl2−AC was subjected for iodine number evaluation by sodium thiosulphate titration which resulted in 1033.41 mgg−1 and it registered a percentage yield of 36.43. CHNS/O analysis confirmed the increase in Carbon% in ZnCl2−AC (61.78%) compared to the raw dried rind Garcinia xanthochymus (42%). FTIR analysis proved that some functional groups observed in the IR spectra of raw disappeared for the prepared AC due to the carbonization and activation processes. SEM analysis showed changes in porosity of raw and prepared AC where the opening hole and cave occurred in surface of prepared ZnCl2−AC. To conclude, a highly porous and high surface area AC was successfully derived from low cost dried rind Garcinia xanthochymus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will describe the Zinc oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite synthesis by Co-Precipitation method and study of prepared composite material's properties such as physical, electrochemical, optical, electrical and physiochemical by characterization using sundry analytical techniques such as High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy methods. As zinc oxide nanoparticles are used as a good sensing element, hence in this paper with a sequence of synthesis of ZnO, we report the sensing mechanism of it too. Caffeic acid sensor based on polyaniline/zinc oxide nanocomposite is the main theme for discussion. Zinc oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite material was prepared by chemical polymerization of caffeic acid (C9H8O4), were studied by using cyclic voltammetry at 0.2 m volts, to the low limit detection of oxidation peak where 0.3 µA ranges of reduction peaks occur. Eventually the zinc oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite copolymer material was found as a selective and stable active material for caffeic acid sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work the combination of bioactive glass (BG) and cordierite are expected to produce high strength bioceramic. Both BG and cordeirite powder were synthesized by melt quench method, then, BG-cordierite composite scaffold was fabricated using gel casting method. The composition of cordierite were varied (10-30 wt.%) during the fabrication of BG scaffold and sintered at 1000°C. The density of BG-cordierite scaffolds were characterized using Archimedes method, while compressive strength was characterized using Universal Testing Machine. The density of BG increase from 0.081 g/cm3 to 0.531 g/cm3 and the compressive strength increased from 0.13 MPa to 0.48 MPa when 20 wt. % of cordierite added to the BG, however compressive strength decreased to 0.36 Mpa whe 30 wt.% added. BG-cordierite scaffolds were immersed in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) for bioactivity test and then were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The apatite formation was observed after the immersion of BG in HBSS after 14 days and the amount of apatite present increased with increasing cordierite content in the BG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of morphology w.r.t. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X- ray fluorescence (EDXRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Mössbauer spectra (MS), X- ray diffraction (XRD) study based on resin column experiment has been performed for ascertaining breakthrough point in a resin loaded column for metal ions present in front stage generated nuclear effluent. Effect of chelation (FT-IR study) of different elements such as Cu(II), Sr(II), Gd(III), U(VI) on polyhydroxamate resin leads to prominent colouration (green for Cu), upper layer deposition (Sr), or loosely bound Gd or strongly bound U or Fe (Mössbauer and XRD studies) onto resin has been investigated during passing of Rad-effluents. In this regard, metal ions were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and confirmed by EDXRF. A vertical glass column chromatography with resin bed diameter 38 mm and height 350 mm produced the "S" shape break through curve. The high capacity of resin was attributed to corrugate and symmetrically folded tunnelled structure derived from SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is one of the most important aromatic polymers; it has many applications in nanotechnology. The new sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK) membrane was successfully prepared, by using sulfonation processed for PEEK polymer; 10 grams of PEEK sample were dissolved progressively in 200 ml of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The degree of sulfonation (DS) was low which was equal to 22.9 %. The goal of this study was to characterize of PEEK and sPEEK. The Characterizations of PEEK and sPEEK have been done by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). XRD is a helpful tool for analyzing the crystalliate of the samples. FTIR spectrum analyzed the functional group of PEEK and sPEEK. SEM image has been shown the structural morphology of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles NPs of Indium nitride InN has been prepared in a one-step laser technique using nanosecond pulsed laser ablation for indium specimen placed in ammonia. Morphological, vibration bond and optical properties of these NPs were examined using a scanning electron microscope, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra demonstrate the existing of In-N and In=N vibration bonds. SEM result shows that nanoparticles with a spherical-like shape and sizes in a range of (5-40) nm. The UV-VIS-NIR spectrum has broadband with a bandgap about 1.8eV. For optoelectronic applications, the InN suspension NPs were deposited on porous silicon using a drop-casting technique. The heterojunction of InN/PS/Si has good response at 750nm which about 1.38A/W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of chitosan-alginate matrices loaded with Anredera cordifolia Steenis (Madeira-vine) leaf extract as an extended-release formulation is herewith described. Madeira-vine plants have been known used traditionally to treat various ailments such as anti-inflammation, hypertension, and skin diseases. The matrices were prepared using the ionotropic gelation methodwith tripolyphosphate as the cross-linking agent. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology and the structure of the matrices, respectively. The effect of alginate addition was studied by determining the physical characteristics of the matrices, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, matrix yield, as well as the release profiles of the bioactive compounds in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The bioactive compounds in the leaf extracts and matrices, quantified as total phenolics, were determined using UV-spectrophotometry. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the amount of vitexin present in the leaf extracts. The encapsulation efficiency of the phenolic compounds was at least 90%, the highest loading capacity was 1.23%, and matrix yield was at least 83%. The in vitro release assays showed a reduced cumulative release of phenolic compounds in synthetic gastric fluid (35 to 12%), and, in three synthetic gastrointestinal fluids (71 to 50%) after 24 hours, due to the addition of alginate in the chitosan matrix. These results indicate the possibility of employing chitosan-alginate matrixto shift the release of phenolics of Anredera cordifolia extracts from the gastric area to the colon area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides of FeO-MnO magnetic hetero nanostructures were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method using a biological surfactant Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). The characterization of the nanoparticles was performed by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). Elemental composition was confirmed by EDS.XRD analysis gave information about the crystallinity and two different phases present in the sample. Optical studies were done using FTIR spectroscopy. The sample morphology was explored in SEM images. Magnetic nature confirmed using VSM analysis. Antimicrobial activities of the samples were investigated against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(S aureus) and Escherichia Coli (E Coli) were swabbed using agar- well diffusion method. The antioxidant properties of the samples were assessed by using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay, Hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl, and superoxide free radicals. The synthesized nanoparticles were shown potential activity in scavenging in vitro DPPH assay. The synthesized nanocomposites having reduced size exhibit better scavenging activity and act as good antioxidant compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanocrystalline samples of NdFeO3 (NFO) and NdFe0.7 Zn0.3O3 (NFZO) synthesized by sol-gel combustion route have been investigated for their structural, morphological and optical properties.XRD patterns with Rietveld refinement reveal the orthorhombic structure of the samples with Pbnm space group. The calculated values of tolerance factor indicate towards enhanced distortion with Zn doping. Fe-O-Fe bond angle and the Fe-O bond length are found to decrease with Zn doping. Williamson-Hall analysis is used to determine the average crystallite size and the lattice strain of the samples. FTIR spectroscopy discloses the stretching vibration (v1mode) for Fe-O band, bending vibration (v2 mode) for O-Fe-O band and the contribution of Nd3+ ions, that confirm the formation of the samples. SEM images demonstrate the clearly distinguished nanosized particles for both the samples. The energy band gap of the NdFeO3sample decreases with Zn doping from 3.12 eV to 2.86 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A favorable gelling fluid for oil and gas industry is the one that have good rheological, thermally stable properties and environmental friendly. In the present study, a gelling agent, diutan gum (DG) was modified with N-(3- chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) to enhance the rheological properties. The modifieddiutan gum (MDG) were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and rheometer. FTIR result shows a significant decreasing of hydroxyl group intensity and the appearance of new peak at 1250 cm-1 attributed to the substitution of CHPTAC on the DG backbone. In addition, the rheological properties of the MDG fluid showed remarkable increases in apparent viscosity. The elastic modulus (G′) and viscous modulus (G″) also increases showing that the MDG have good viscoelastic properties which due to the strong electrostatic interaction between the chains after the modification. This finding showed that, with simple modification using CHPTAC, the rheological properties of MDG gelling agent can be tailored and expected to increase the thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly porous activated carbon was successfully fabricated from the stalk of Nymphaea odorata via single step chemical activation. ZnCl2 was used as the chemical activating agent in the activation process. The raw material was preliminary characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), ultimate analysis (CHNS/O Analyzer) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The percentage yield, iodine number (IN) and the textural properties of the activated carbon were optimized under the influence of several synthesizing parameters such as impregnation ratio, activation temperature and activation time using ZnCl2. High IN (750.11 mg/g - 967.16 mg/g) was obtained from Sodium thiosulphate volumetric method and represents the porosity of the synthesized materials. Reduction in several functional groups was observed in the FTIR spectrum of the synthesized activated carbon. SEM analysis of the activated carbon verified the formation of highly porous surface compared to the raw Nymphaea odorata. This study provides a facile synthesis of activated carbon from waste natural resources at benign condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five Chromium (III) complexes have been prepared using Schiff base ligands which derived from benzoin and five different amino acids (H2N-R). Samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV-VIS and SEM method. X-Ray diffraction pattern analyzed that all chromium (III) complexes have hexagonal structure and crystalline, in nature, using Bruker D8 Advance instrument. Using VERTAX 70, FTIR spectroscopy reveals that Samples have (C=N), (C-O), (M-N) and (M-O) bonds in the range of 4000-400cm"¹. UV-VIS spectroscopy give information that samples absorb the visible light which is in the range of 380-780nm. For this, Lambda 960 spectrometer used. SEM is designed for studying of the solid objects, using JEOL JSM 5600 instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis of TiO2 (core)/Polyaniline (shell) core-shell structured nanocomposites and characterization of the synthesized material. The morphological characterization is performed with XRD, SEM, DLS and SANS. Spectroscopic characterization is performed with FTIR, UV/Visible and ESR techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PANI-NSA/(4%Co)α-Fe2O3 composite was prepared by a template free method in the presence of β-Napthalene sulphonic acid (β-NSA) as a dopant for PANI. The FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of the composite. The structural property of the composite was characterized by XRD. The morphological property of the composite was characterized by SEM. The SEM image of composite showed that the particles are homogenous. The electrochemical sensing ability of ascorbic acid (AA) by PANI-NSA and composite modified GCE exhibited higher anodic current response than the bare GCE. Compared with the bare and PANI-NSA modified GCE, PANI-NSA/(4%Co)α-Fe2O3 composite modified GCE showed larger current response with shift towards less positive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption interactions of radium (Ra) ions onto coir pith (CP) under the presence of humic acid (HA) in the aqueous solution were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. XRD, IR and SEM characterization of the CP has revealed differences in the native CP and Ra ions loaded CP under the presence of HA in the aqueous solution. The X-Ray patterns showed that crystalline structure of the loaded CP exhibited a decrease in crystalline structure at around 49°-51° compared with unloaded CP. Characterization by IR revealed that participation of some surface functional groups during the Ra adsorption. SEM images for the morphological studies showed that there were slightly changes of the CP surfaces after the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]