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Abstract In the present work, the composite cross-linked were used to consolidate the dyed paper manuscripts. Nanocomposites of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MPSNP)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/PVA, which have never been used before, have been evaluated for the consolidation process of the dyed paper manuscripts with madder extract. Three concentrations 1%, 3%, and 5% have been prepared. Analysis and investigation methods like scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), X-Ray diffraction Analysis (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and total color difference (ΔE) by spectrophotometer have been used in order to characterize the prepared nano-sized composites and evaluate the treated dyed paper samples before and after the aging process. The results of surface morphology by SEM revealed the effectiveness of MPSNP/PVA core–shell nanocomposite at 5% in the consolidation process, where the improvement of properties of the aged dyed paper samples. The fibers of the treated paper became strong and appeared clearly. The result of ΔE measurements showed that the treated sample with MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 5% gave the lowest ΔE (5.22), while, the treated sample with CNF/PVA nanocomposite at 5% gave the highest ΔE value (11.66). Mechanical measurements (tensile strength and elongation) revealed the efficiency of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 5% in the treatment of the aged dyed paper samples. The treated sample with the mentioned material gave tensile strength and elongation values of 84.8 N/nm2 and 1.736%, respectively. In contrast, the treated sample with CNF/PVA nanocomposite at 1% gave the lowest tensile strength and elongation values 38.2 N/nm2, and 1.166%, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed an increase was noticed in the CH2 stretching band (refers to the crystallinity of cellulose), where the intensity of the treated sample with MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite was at a 5% increase compared to the control sample. The FTIR results supported the results of mechanical measurements. The intensity of the CH2 stretching band, which refers to the crystallinity index of cellulose, was increased with the use of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 3% and 5%, which explains the improvement in mechanical properties. This may be due to the nano-mineral particles, which improve the mechanical properties. Additionally, they reduce the effect of accelerated thermal aging on the cellulosic fibers and give them stability. The detailed analysis of analytical methods used for evaluation revealed the novelty of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite, especially at 5%. It has a potential role in strengthening and improving different properties of the dyed paper manuscripts with madder extract.

Abstract Paper-based analytical devices are promising choices for rapid tests and lab-on-chip detection techniques. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), on the other hand, are biocompatible nanomaterials, which are industrially promising, due to their fast and cost-effective gram-scale synthesis techniques, as well as their significantly high and stable photoluminescence (PL) properties, which are durable and reliable over a year. However, there have been limitations in the entrapment of CQDs on cellulose papers in a way that their PL is not influenced by the flowing of the CQDs with the stream of analyte fluid, making the sensors less accurate at very low concentrations of liquid analytes. Therefore, in this investigation, a polyvinyl alcohol/alkaline-based method was systematically generated and developed to entrap CQDs inside a 3D crystalline matrix on paper, in a way that they can be used directly as probes for a simple drop-and-detect method. As a proof of concept, N/P-doped CQD on cellulose paper was used to make fluorescent paper-based analytical devices for identifying traces of Hg2+ of around 100 ppb. The designed sensor was tested over several months, to study its durability and functionality over long periods, for potential industrial applications.

Abstract The effect of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating on the hydrophobic, oleophobic, and strength properties of paper were investigated. The results showed that the size of bamboo fibers (BFs) decreased significantly and the crystallinity increased significantly after biological enzyme treatment. The average length of CNFs obtained by high pressure homogenization was 2.4 µm, the diameter was 28.7 nm, and the crystallinity was 63.63%. When the coating weight of PVA/CNF was 2.0 g/m2 and the CNF dosage was increased from 0.0% to 3.0%, the paper grease resistance grade was increased from 7 to 9, the Cobb value was decreased from 22.68 ± 0.29 g/m2 to 18.37 ± 0.63 g/m2, the contact angle was increased from 67.82° to 93.56°, and the longitudinal and transverse tensile index were increased from 67.72 ± 0.21 N m/g and 37.63 ± 0.25 N m/g to 68.61 ± 0.55 N m/g and 40.71 ± 0.78 N m/g, respectively. When the CNF dosage was 3.0% and the coating weight of PVA/CNF was 4.0 g/m2, the grease resistance grade of the paper was 12, the Cobb value was 21.80 ± 0.39 g/m2, and the longitudinal and transverse tensile indices were 72.11 ± 0.43 N m/g and 42.58 ± 0.48 N m/g, respectively. In summary, the increase of CNFs can effectively improve the lipophobicity, hydrophobicity and tensile strength of the PVA coated paper.

For shaped charge blasting projects in mining, civil engineering, and similar fields, it is proposed to modify the charge structure by combining slotted tubes and shaped charge liners to obtain a new type of charge structure. This aims to achieve directional rock breaking through the focused action of the shaped charge. The influence of different slotted pipe materials on the directional rock-breaking effect of concentrated energy using a new charge structure is explored through theoretical analysis combined with model test study, high-speed camera, stress–strain gauge, and other equipment. A comparison is made between slotted pipes made of aluminum, kraft paper, and PVC, with the cutting width of 2 mm. Based on the characteristics of the cracks formed after blasting, the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe produces a penetrating crack that is almost consistent with the pre-cracking direction. Based on the corresponding characteristics of successively released blasting energy, the guiding and convergence effect of the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe on the explosion energy is greater than that of the new charge structure made of the other two types of slotted pipe material. According to the strain data measured after blasting, the peak arrival time of the strain peak in the direction of the slotted pipe on one side of the shaped hood is shorter than that in the other two directions, and the peak strain is greater than that in the other two directions while having a better energy gathering effect. Based on the findings, the new charge structure with directional energy concentration has a damage reduction effect. Furthermore, the material of aluminum slotted pipe is found to be better than PVC slotted pipe, whereas the material of PVC slotted pipe is better than kraft paper slotted pipe in achieving directional rock breaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage devices (ESD) which are intended to power electronic devices, used in close contact of human skin, are desirable to be safe and non-toxic. In light of this requirement, Zn based energy storage devices seem to provide a viable pathway as they mostly employ aqueous based electrolytes which are safe and non-toxic in their functioning. Additionally, having a flexible ESD will play a crucial role as it will enable the ESD to conform to the varying shapes and sizes of wearable electronics which they energize. In this work, we have developed an inkjet-printed Zinc ion battery (IPZIB) with planar electrode configuration over bond paper substrate. Zn has been used as the negative electrode, MnO 2 is used as the positive electrode with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the active binder. Conducting tracks of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are used to construct the current collector on the paper substrate. The fabricated IPZIB delivered a high discharge capacity of 300.14 mAh g -1 at a current density of 200 mA g -1 . The energy density of the IPZIB is observed as 330.15 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 220 W kg -1 and retains an energy density of 94.36 Wh kg -1 at a high power density of 1650 W kg -1 . Finally, we have demonstrated the capability of the IPZIB to power a LED at various bending and folding conditions which indicates its potential to be used in the next generation flexible and wearable electronic devices., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Rapid and accurate bioburden detection has become increasingly necessary for food, health, pharmaceutical and environmental applications. To detect bioburden accurately, and in a highly sensitive manner, we have fabricated a novel microfluidic device with an integrated filter to trap the cells. Bioburden is detected on the filter paper in situ using the redox reaction of fluorescent label resorufin and a portable multichannel fluorometer is used for fluorescence measurement. The microfluidic device was fabricated in a facile, low-cost, and rapid way with microwave-induced thermally assisted bonding. To characterize the bonding quality of the microfluidic cassettes, different tests were performed, and the filter paper material and size were optimized. Primary Bacillus subtilis culture bacterial samples were filtered through the device to validate and investigate the performance parameters. Our results show that a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.037 CFU/mL can be achieved through this microfluidic device whereas the LOD in a normal microfluidic cassette in the fluorometer and the golden standard spectrophotometer are 0.378 and 0.128 CFU/mL respectively. The results depict that three to ten times LOD improvement is possible through this microfluidic cassette and more sensitive detection is possible depending on the volume filtered within a rapid 3 min. This novel microfluidic device along with the fluorometer can be used as a rapid portable tool for highly sensitive, accurate and high-throughput bacterial detection for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oyster Farming is one of important fisheries and aquaculture industries in Taiwan. Each year, approximately 4000-5000 tons of discarded bamboo scaffolding (BS) used in oyster farming, are generated, so the treatment and utilization of BS should be taken seriously. This study evaluates the suitability of BS for pulp and papermaking by assessing the chemical compositions, microstructural, and fiber morphology. The pulping properties is investigated by soda pulping. The chemical composition of BS shows the potential for application in pulping. The BS microstructure shows that can enhance pulping reactions, while the fiber morphology indicates the possibility of producing high-strength paper. Through the pulping experiment, it demonstrated that BS is suitable for pulping with lower NaOH dosage and longer digestion time. The condition at 170 °C with 14% NaOH dosage for 90 min digestion has the highest yield. After refining the highest pulping yield BS pulp, it can improve the handsheet strength and bulk of the OCC-BS mixed pulp, which can achieve the strength property required for industrial paper. In summary, BS exhibits the potential for pulping application and produces a better paper strength than OCC pulp, exhibiting the feasibility of enhancing the circular utilization value of BS in Taiwan., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has attracted considerable attention for use as a disinfectant ingredient for various applications over the decades. The use of H2O2 within the safety regulations can avoid its toxicity to human health and the environment. In this study, a paper-based sensor containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) was developed for use in a smartphone in the determination of the H2O2 concentration. In the synthesis process, an extract of spent coffee grounds was used as a bioreducing agent. The effects of reaction time and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated. The optimum conditions for the preparation of P-AgNPs were determined to be 100 mM AgNO3 (P-AgNPs-100) and 15 h synthesis time. The P-AgNPs-100 sensor exhibited high sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.26 mM H2O2, which might be suitable for the detection of H2O2-based household and beverage sanitizers. The H2O2 detection capability of P-AgNPs-100 was comparable to that of a commercial strip sensor. Furthermore, P-AgNPs-100 had a detection efficiency of more than 95% after long-term storage for 100 days.

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate indigenous bacteria possibility in recycled paper and cardboard mill (RPCM) wastewater treatment through the isolation and identification of full-scale RPCM indigenous bacteria. The molecular characterization of the isolated bacteria was performed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Klebsiella pneumoniae AT-1 (MZ599583), Citrobacter freundii AT-4 (OK178569), and Bacillus subtilis AT-5 (MZ323975) were dominant strains used for RPCM wastewater bioremediation experiments. Under optimal conditions, the maximum values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color biodegradation by C. freundii AT-4 were 79.54% and 43.81% after 10 days of incubation, respectively. In the case of B. subtilis strain AT-5 and K. pneumoniae AT-1, the maximum values of COD and color biodegradation were 70.08%, 45.96%, 71.26%, and 32.06%, respectively. The results from optimal conditions regarding efficiency were higher in comparison with the efficiency obtained from the oxidation ditch treatment unit in full-scale RPCM-WWTP. Therefore, the present study introduces the isolated indigenous bacteria strains as a promising candidate for improving the RPCM-WWTP efficiency using bioremediation.

Energy storage devices (ESD) which are intended to power electronic devices, used in close contact of human skin, are desirable to be safe and non-toxic. In light of this requirement, Zn based energy storage devices seem to provide a viable pathway as they mostly employ aqueous based electrolytes which are safe and non-toxic in their functioning. Additionally, having a flexible ESD will play a crucial role as it will enable the ESD to conform to the varying shapes and sizes of wearable electronics which they energize. In this work, we have developed an inkjet-printed Zinc ion battery (IPZIB) with planar electrode configuration over bond paper substrate. Zn has been used as the negative electrode, MnO2 is used as the positive electrode with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the active binder. Conducting tracks of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are used to construct the current collector on the paper substrate. The fabricated IPZIB delivered a high discharge capacity of 300.14 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1. The energy density of the IPZIB is observed as 330.15 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 220 W kg−1 and retains an energy density of 94.36 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 1650 W kg−1. Finally, we have demonstrated the capability of the IPZIB to power a LED at various bending and folding conditions which indicates its potential to be used in the next generation flexible and wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In offset printing process, poor mechanical properties and printability of paper substrate usually result in printing problems, low quality of print and waste of paper materials. Therefore, many researches focus on the quality improvement of paper substrates using suitable additives. In this work, N-methylated chitosan, including N, N-dimethyl chitosan (DMC) and N, N, N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC), were prepared and employed as coating agents to ameliorate the mechanical properties and printability of paper sheets. Analysis results showed that the mechanical strength of coated papers with DMC and TMC were largely improved, because the fibers with negative charges were prone to form electrostatic bonding with the positively charged N-methylated chitosan, thus enhancing paper strength. Particularly, compared with chitosan and DMC, the TMC-coated paper exhibited better mechanical properties, printability and surface properties due to the high cationic charge density of TMC. Therefore, surface coating with TMC is of great benefit to decrease the printing problem of paper sheets and enhance the operation speed in offset printing. This work provides a valuable reference for the amelioration of the printability and physical properties of high-quality paper products for many promising applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Accurate quantification of blood creatinine is important to estimate the glomerular filtration rate. Existing techniques using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) have a high accuracy and eliminate most interferences encountered in routine enzymatic and Jaffé methods. However, they require laborious and time-consuming sample treatment and data acquisition. The aim of this study is to develop a fast and simple method to enable a direct analysis of whole blood creatinine with performance measures that are comparable to conventional LC–MS/MS. 5μL whole blood is formed as a three-dimensional spheroid on hydrophobic silanized paper substrates which then undergoes paper-spray ionization—tandem mass spectrometry (PSI–MS/MS). The method is validated using real human samples and compared with LC–MS/MS. PSI–MS/MS whole blood analysis exhibited a lower limit of quantification of 2.5 μg/mL, precision ≤ 6.3%, recovery in the range of 88–94% and excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99; 2.5—20 μg/mL) covering the normal range for creatinine levels. Creatinine levels were comparable to those measured by LC–MS/MS with small deviations of less than 0.3 μg/mL. This simple, fast and accurate microsampling technique for direct analysis of creatinine from whole blood shows promise for routine clinical screening and monitoring. This approach can be readily extended for other analytes of interest and, due to inherent advantages relating to cost, storability, speed, and simplicity, it can be especially advantageous for use in resource-limited settings.

Abstract The simplest point-of-care assays are usually paper and plastic devices that detect proteins or nucleic acids at low cost and minimal user steps, albeit with poor limits of detection. Digital assays improve limits of detection and analyte quantification by splitting a sample across many wells (or droplets), preventing diffusion, and performing analyte amplification and detection in multiple small wells. However, truly digital nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) require costly consumable cartridges that are precisely manufactured, aligned, and operated to enable low detection limits. In this study, we demonstrate how to implement near-digital NAATs in low-cost porous media while approaching the low limits of detection of digital assays. The near-digital NAAT was enabled by a paper membrane containing lyophilized amplification reagents that automatically, passively meters and distributes a sample over a wide area. Performing a NAAT in the paper membrane while allowing diffusion captures many of the benefits of digital NAATs if the pad is imaged at a high spatial resolution during amplification. We show that the near-digital NAAT is compatible with a low-cost paper and plastic disposable cartridge coupled to a 2-layer rigid printed circuit board heater (the MD NAAT platform). We also demonstrate compatibility with biplexing and imaging with mobile phones with different camera sensors. We show that the near-digital NAAT increased signal-to-noise ratios by ~ 10×, improved limits of detection from above 103 copies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus genomic DNA to between 100 and 316 copies in a biplexed reaction containing 105 copies of co-amplifying internal amplification control DNA, and reduced time-to-result from 45 min of amplification to 15–20 min for the positive samples.

Abstract Layered metal chalcogenide materials are exceptionally appealing in optoelectronic devices thanks to their extraordinary optical properties. Recently, their application as flexible and wearable photodetectors have received a lot of attention. Herein, broadband and high-performance paper-based PDs were established in a very facile and inexpensive method by rubbing molybdenum disulfide and titanium trisulfide crystals on papers. Transferred layers were characterized by SEM, EDX mapping, and Raman analyses, and their optoelectronic properties were evaluated in a wavelength range of 405–810 nm. Although the highest and lowest photoresponsivities were respectively measured for TiS3 (1.50 mA/W) and MoS2 (1.13 μA/W) PDs, the TiS3–MoS2 heterostructure not only had a significant photoresponsivity but also showed the highest on/off ratio (1.82) and fast response time (0.96 s) compared with two other PDs. This advantage is due to the band offset formation at the heterojunction, which efficiently separates the photogenerated electron–hole pairs within the heterostructure. Numerical simulation of the introduced PDs also confirmed the superiority of TiS3–MoS2 heterostructure over the other two PDs and exhibited a good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, MoS2 PD demonstrated very high flexibility under applied strain, but TiS3 based PDs suffered from its fragility and experience a remarkable drain current reduction at strain larger than ± 0.33%. However, at lower strains, all PDs displayed acceptable performances.

Abstract Various agents, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, and HCl, were applied to remove heavy metals from raw paper incineration ash and render the ash recyclable. Among these prepared agent solutions, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid showed the highest efficiency for Pb removal, while oxalic acid showed the highest efficiencies for Cu, Cd, and As removal. Additionally, three modes of an advanced removal method, which involved the use of both ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and oxalic acid, were considered for use at the end of the rendering process. Among these three modes of the advanced removal method, that which involved the simultaneous use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and oxalic acid, i.e., a mixture of both solutions, showed the best heavy metal removal efficiencies. In detail, 11.9% of Cd, 10% of Hg, 28.42% of As, 31.29% of Cu, and 49.19% of Pb were removed when this method was used. Furthermore, the application of these three modes of the advanced removal method resulted in a decrease in the amounts of heavy metals eluted and brought about an increase in the CaO content of the treated incineration ash, while decreasing its Cl content. These combined results enhanced the solidification effect of the treated incineration ash. Thus, it was confirmed that the advanced removal method is a promising strategy by which recyclable paper incineration ash can be obtained.

Abstract We developed a disposable paper battery aiming to reduce the environmental impact of single-use electronics for applications such as point of care diagnosis, smart packaging and environmental sensing. The battery uses Zinc as a biodegradable metal anode, graphite as a nontoxic cathode material and paper as a biodegradable substrate. To facilitate additive manufacturing, we developed electrodes and current collector inks that can be stencil printed on paper to create water-activated batteries of arbitrary shape and size. The battery remains inactive until water is provided and absorbed by the paper substrate, taking advantage of its natural wicking behavior. Once activated, a single cell provides an open circuit potential of 1.2 V and a peak power density of 150 µW/cm2 at 0.5 mA. As a proof of concept, we fabricated a two cell battery and used it to power an alarm clock and its liquid crystal display.