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Purpose: Paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of traditional chitosan, nano chitosan, and chitosan nanocomposites for consolidating aged papyrus samples. Cellulose-based materials, such as papyrus sheets and paper, which are the most common types of writing supports for works of art in many museums and archive. They are subjected to different types of deterioration factors that may lead to many conservation problems. Consolidation treatment is one of the most common conservation treatments, which should have perform after much testing to select the appropriate consolidants. Design/methodology/approach: This research paper aims to evaluate the resistance of traditional chitosan, nanochitosan and chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposite as an eco-friendly papyrus strengthening. Untreated and treated papyrus was thermally aged and characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity of the papyrus specimens was also determined against four tested pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion method: MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Findings: The results revealed that chitosan nanocomposite showed a remarkable enhancement of papyrus tensile properties and presence of ZnO prevents the effects of biodeterioration. Originality/value: Zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the optical properties and increase the chemical reactions between the consolidating material and the treated papyrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate surface treatments and fiber types on adhesion properties polylactic acid (PLA) three-dimensional (3D) parts printed on woven fabrics. Design/methodology/approach: The cotton, flax and jute fabrics were exposed to alkali, hydrogen peroxide, stearic acid and ionic liquid treatments to modify surface characteristics before PLA 3D printing. The modification efficiency was assessed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. Then, fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer and PLA filament were used for 3D printing onto the untreated and treated fabrics. The adhesion strength between the fabrics and PLA 3D parts were tested according to DIN 53530 via universal tensile tester. Findings: The fabric structure is effective on adhesion force and greater values were observed for plain weave fabrics. Maximum separation forces were obtained for alkali pretreated fabrics among jute and cotton. Hydrogen peroxide treatment also increased adhesion forces for jute and cotton fabrics while decreasing for flax fabrics. Stearic acid and ionic liquid treatments reduced adhesion forces compared to untreated fabrics. Treatments are effective to alter adhesion via changing surface chemistry, surface morphology and fabric physical properties but display different effects related to fabric material. Originality/value: This study provides experimental information about effects of different fiber types and surface treatments on adhesion strength of PLA 3D parts. There is limited research about comprehensive observation on 3D printing on cellulosic-woven fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance storage capacity and prevent electrical short circuits in electrochemical storage devices, it is essential and challenging to design and build Lithium ion batteries with flexible solid polymer electrolyte possessing strong ionic conductivity. This study details the use of solution-cast technique to create nano composite doped lithium solid polymer electrolytes (n-LSPEs), from polymer complex of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), with nano ZrO2 (n-ZrO2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was utilised to describe the ionic conductivity values in presence of alternating fields. The ionic conductivity of n-LSPEs are enhanced nearly four times (1.54 × 10─1 mS/cm to 5.996 × 10─1 mS/cm) due to addition of n-ZrO2. By incorporating chronoamperometry (CA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), we were able to analyse the transference number, ionic strength, and the accumulation of charge carriers in optimized n-LSPE membrane. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of n-LSPE membranes reveal a structure that is consistent with interconnecting pores between the polymer complex and the nano filler. The stable monoclinic phase of n-ZrO2 interaction with polymer segmental motion was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). By examining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we performed a quick analysis of the complexation of functional group investigations, bond length and force constant calculations, interaction of functional groups of n-LSPE films. Our FESD's discharge characteristics were investigated at 4.8 mA average discharge current for 25 hours, as indicated by a 0.04C rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun biocompatible fiber mats were made with Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) using a biocompatible solvent Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), because of its compatibility. We have also used the herb "Thespesia populnea" to produce herbal doped electrospun mats. Five samples are produced by varying the percentages of PVA and herbal and the parameters in electrospinning machine. Among those samples, fiber is formed properly when PVA and herbal are taken in the ratio of 5% and 10%, respectively and when Distance, Flow rate, Voltage are set as 15 cm, 0.05 mL/h and 14 kV, respectively. The PVA fiber formation is investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been done to confirm the presence of functional group of the herbal and PVA in the mat. Antibacterial testing was done for the samples, and the zone of inhibition was found to be 8–12 mm. Drug release test revealed that the drug from the electrospun mat was better around 70%. In vitro cytotoxicity test was done, and the result obtained was negative since a large amount of DMSO was used for dissolving the herbal. Hence it can be controlled by reducing the usage of DMSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of a large volume of agricultural residue during the processing of fruits has resulted in environmental problems. Therefore, the production of bioactive compounds from agricultural residue will provide a direction to overcome these issues. These residues are a potential source of many bioactive compounds, such as pectin. The present study deals with the extraction and characterization of pectin from the Bael pulp residue produced during the processing of Bael fruit. Pectin was extracted by using hot acid extraction methods and evaluated for its physicochemical properties by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and the values of moisture content, ash content, equivalent weight, methoxyl content, total anhydrouronic acid content, and degree of esterification. The results were compared with those of commercial pectin. Bael pulp residue yielded 24.02 ± 0.63% of pectin by using HCl and 22.1 ± 0.7% by using H2SO4. The physicochemical characterization of extracted pectin, such as equivalent weight (852.32 ± 8.43), methoxyl content (8.28 ± 0.35%), total anhydrouronic acid (67.69 ± 0.35%), and degree of esterification (69.39 ± 0.57%), was within the acceptable range and comparable with the commercial pectin. The values of moisture content (4.62 ± 1.14%) and ash content (5.22 ± 0.66%) indicated that the extracted pectin was in pure form. SEM and XRD patterns observed the rough and amorphous nature of extracted pectin. The antioxidant activity of pectin and total phenolic content were also observed. The IC50 value was found to be 15.74 µg/mL, showing an adequate amount of antioxidant activity in isolated pectin with a total phenolic content of 58.5 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. Additionally, the prebiotic potential of extracted pectin was confirmed by the viability assay of two probiotics (Bacillus clausii and Saccharomyces boulardii). Based on these results, Bael pulp residue could be a good alternative source of high-value pectin that could be used to make health products and other biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present scenario, the searching for novel plant fibers able to be used as reinforcement of polymer composites is highly appreciable. This study deals with extraction and characterization of Eleusine indica grass fibers extracted from its stem by manual retting process. From this study, it was found that the Eleusine indica has higher cellulose of 61.3 wt% content, density of 1143 kg/m3, average tensile strength and Young's modulus equal to 22 MPa and 10.75 GPa, respectively. From the XRD studies, it was noted that the Crystallinity Index (CI) of Eleusine indica was 45%. The surface morphology of Eleusine indica grass was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Chemical functional group were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The thermal stability of EIF was evaluated using TG and DTG curves from Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The characterization results confirmed that Eleusine indica grass could be used for the production of sustainable fiber-reinforced polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study involved the processing of raw Ukpor clay from Anambra State, Nigeria to kaolin as a precursor for the development of Y-type zeolite. The clay was first subjected to pretreatment by separating the foreign bodies from it using deflocculant (Sodium hexametaphosphate and Sodium hydrogen carbonate). Subsequently, the pretreated clay was calcined at 850°C for 6 hours at atmospheric pressure. The calcined clay was formulated by adding sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate to produce a gel aged at room temperature for 12 hours. The gel was subsequently heated in a laboratory oven at 100°C for 9hrs to produce the Y-type zeolite in a process called crystallization and a product with Si/Al molar ratio of 4.07 was achieved which is suiting for a typical Zeolite Y. The formulated samples were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed possible synthesis of Y-type zeolite from Ukpor kaolinite having a molar ratio of 15Na2O:Al2O3:15SiO2:450H2O. The synthesized product with Si/Al ratio of 4.07, an agglomerated euhedral morphology, and FTIR spectra peak at wavelengths of 719cm-1 and 3424cm-1, are the basis upon which the conclusion of possible development of Y-type zeolite is drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the sorption selectivity of bentonite and its thermally treated forms, at 150, 300 and 600 °C, for 226Ra and 210Pb. Characterisation of adsorbents was performed by applying Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a scanning electron microscope. Adsorption data showed the materials illustrated comparable behaviour for 210Pb, but varied when chemical containments existed in solution. Bentonite heated at 600 °C (B-600) was the best adsorbent for 226Ra. Influence of macro contaminants revealed K+ was the greatest inhibitor for 226Ra and Ca2+ for 210Pb. The data conclude B-600 would be the preferable mineral for constructing engineered disposal facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expired Famotidine was tested as a corrosion protection for α-brass in 1 M HCl using modified methods: weight loss (WL), Tafel polarization (TP), AC impedance spectra (EIS) and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM). The polarization resistance (Rp) data increased with increasing famotidine dose. The inhibition efficiency (IE) improved with raising famotidine concentration. The maximum IE of 90% has been achieved at 300 ppm. On the other hand, the efficiency lowered with temperature increased. The outcome data obtained revealed that famotidine performed excellently as a corrosion inhibitor for α‑brass in this medium at dissimilar temperatures. The surface of α-brass was tested utilizing scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy X-ray spectra (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to establish an appropriate conservation method to reduce the deterioration of leather-made artifact and extend its lifetime. The restoration and consolidation of historic leather have always been a challenge for conservators. This paper discussed the new conservation treatment by applying skin collagen hydrolysate as the consolidation material while glutaraldehyde and tannin as cross-linking agents onto the degraded leather. The fresh leather samples were artificially aged to simulate the deterioration of historical leather. Then the simulated samples were treated with the skin collagen hydrolysate and cross linked by glutaraldehyde and tannin to improve the collagen fiber structures and thermal stability. The analytical approaches combining Ultra-depth three-dimensional Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were undertaken to identify the significant differences of the collagen fiber structures and thermal stability between untreated and treated leather samples. The results indicated that the thermal stability and the fibers cohesion of the treated sample were improved. It overall confirmed the use of the skin collagen hydrolysate isan effective consolidation strategy for the degraded leather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe doped Mn2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the microwave-assisted method and synthesized samples were further annealed at 5000C and the samples were subjected to analyze structural, optical and magnetic properties. The structural properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffractometry. XRD pattern revealed that the existence of Mn2O3 with cubic structure and Mn-doped Fe isa rhombohedral lattice structure. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Fe-O stretching vibrations. The observed band positioned at 570cm-1 could be due to the stretching vibration of Fe-O bonds. Energy dispersive analysis (EDAX) spectroscopy confirmed the purity, chemical composition of the FeMn2O3 nanoparticles. The structural properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, AgNPs were used as a potential candidate for the applications of the human contacting areas such as cosmetics, food and medicine. Based on the above facts, in the present investigation, synthesis of silver nanoparticle was done using Justicia adhatoda leaf extract. The AgNPs were synthesized by bioreduction method of silver nitrate at different concentrations of J. adhatoda leaf extract (10, 20, 30, 40 ml). It was characterized by a powder X-ray diffraction technique, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) with EDAX and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). It exhibited face centered cubic structure and the particle size was found to be 30 nm and the lattice strain (W–H plot) was 0.0079. The functional groups present in the compound were confirmed by the FTIR spectrum (424 cm−1 and 402 cm−1). In this work spherical morphology of the particles at different concentrations was identified by TEM (particles size 16–21 nm) and SEM images. The optical energy band gap was found to be 2.9 eV from the UV–Vis spectrum. Zeta potential of AgNPs was determined as − 17.2 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was tested using both gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and concluded that it may be a harmful nanomedicine for respiratory track ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective in this work consists in the synthesis, the characterization, the elaboration, the formulation, and the rheological study of the new phosphoric epoxy resin: pentaglycidyl ether pentaphenoxy of phosphorus (PGEPPP). Thus, we identified this polymer by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, its chemical structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance of proton (1H NMR) and carbon (13C NMR). Furthermore, the rheological analyzes of the epoxy resin and their composite (PGEPPP/MDA/PN) were determined by the RHM01-RD HAAKE rheometer. Moreover, this epoxy polymer and their composite have been applied in flow phenomena and implementation. Finally, we proceeded to the morphological of the composite (PGEPPP/MDA/PN) using the scanning electron microscope, in order to confirm the dispersion of the natural phosphate load incorporated into the prepared composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research work was to explore the impact of ibuprofen-captisol® (sulfobutylether sodium salt of β-CD) inclusion complexes on in vitro dissolution performance. Phase solubility studies of ibuprofen using the carrier captisol® had generated A L -type profiles which indicated the formation of 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complexes. The study revealed that more stable complexes of ibuprofen-captisol® were formed in double distilled water compared to phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) as more fraction of the drug is in un-ionized form. Ibuprofen-captisol® complexes were prepared by (i) kneading and (ii) freeze-drying technique with the various drug-carrier ratio (1:1, 1:3 and 1:5 w/w). Complex formation was explained on the basis of physical mixtures (PMs) of identical compositions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Molecular docking studies were carried out to establish the inclusion complexation. Molecular docking confirmed the possibility of forming a complex between drug and polymer, and it was evident from the energy-minimized structure of the drug-polymer complex. Minimization of energy suggested the formation of a stable drug-polymer complex with binding energy of (−) 3.6 kcal mol −1 . The negative docking energy of the complex formation justifies the reason of its solubility enhancement. The complexes prepared by freeze-drying technique were found to be superior in the enhancement of in vitro dissolution rate of ibuprofen when compared to that of complexes prepared by kneading technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, long term service performance of silicone rubber based polymeric insulators under DC stress with controlled climatic conditions is attempted. Simultaneous application of UV, thermal, humidity with DC electrical stress is applied to polymeric insulators enclosed in a specially fabricated climatic chamber. The stresses are applied for 1000 h for an adopted cycle to simulate close service life conditions. The leakage current is regularly monitored and recorded. After the experimentation, samples of the aged specimen are subjected for post analysis and psycho-chemical analysis like Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to monitor morphological changes, Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDAX) to observe elemental presence over the surface, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy to examine chemical changes in the material, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) to understand the role of filler in aged insulator specimen and loss of Loss of hydrophobicity was measured. Investigations with long duration DC stress reveal material degradation, depolymerization and loss of ATH; this could result in low thermal stability and accelerate the thermal erosion and early failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the present study was to produce natural chitosan with different deacetylation degree from shrimp shells. Three deacetylation degrees of chitosan were obtained through boiling the chitin in NaOH (50% (w/v)) at 110 °C for 4 h. The samples were labelled as NCS1, NCS2 and NCS3 according to the number of times they were treated with alkaline solution. The functional groups of the obtained products and the degree of deacetylation were determined through Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope was employed to characterise the morphology of the produced materials. Cell viability assay was carried out using mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the samples for 7 days. The results showed that the deacetylation degree of chitin, NCS1, NCS2 and NCS3 became 50.1, 73.5, 82.3 and 82.5%, respectively. The natural chitin had carnation-like morphology. NCS1, NCS2 and NCS3 had the raised hills with the smaller and denser Gulbergs, however, there was no significant difference between NCS2 and NCS3 regarding the structure and deacetylation degree. Moreover, the result of the cell culture experiment indicated that the number of cells on the NCS1 was less than that of the NCS2 after 7 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Perlite-based geopolymer can be produced by one-part mixture method. • Nano-CaO affects the strength of perlite-based geopolymer concrete negatively. • Nano-Al 2 O 3 affects the strength of perlite-based geopolymer concrete positively. • Nano-additives were more effective in reducing the volume of macropores formed in geopolymer concrete. In terms of sustainability, alternative binders have been sought despite the environmental effects of CO 2 gas released as a result of cement production. In accordance with this purpose, geopolymer binders produced by activating aluminosilicate materials with alkalis are one of these alternatives. This study aimed to produce one-part geopolymer concrete from aluminosilicate-based perlite, which is rich in SiO 2, and to improve its mechanical properties by adding nanomaterials. The effect of using nano-Al 2 O 3 and nano-CaO at 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % by weight instead of perlite on the properties of geopolymer concrete under different curing conditions (heat + ambient and heat + water curing) was investigated with SEM (scanning electron microscope), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), t -Plot/BJH (specific surface area and pore size distribution) and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) tests, the compressive strength, flexural strength, length change. As a result, the applicability of the one-part mixture method in the production of perlite-based geopolymer concrete has been determined. Nano-Al 2 O 3 was found to be effective in perlite-based geopolymer concrete in terms of compressive strength and the optimum curing condition was heat + ambient curing. The addition of nanomaterials especially prevented crack and pore formation and according to t -Plot/BJH analysis, were more effective in lowering the number of macropores generated in geopolymer concrete, but increased the number of micropores. Moreover, the nanoparticles had no discernible effect on the geopolymerization process of perlite-based geopolymer concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low density polyethylene films blended (LDPE) with mixed Ferrous ricinoleate maleic dextrose additive have been exposed to accelerated UV and biotic environments. The films were accelerated UV light for 70 h before being mixed with water and municipal solid compost. The photo degraded and biodegraded LDPE films were examined by infrared spectroscopy and also to study the photodegraded film attacked by mitochondria β oxidation process of microorganism and its morphological study by SEM analysis and degree of crystallinity behaviour by XRD analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chitin based polyurethanes (PUs) using hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as soft segment were prepared and the structure of the proposed PU was confirmed using FTIR spectrometer. PU prepolymer was prepared using HTPB and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), and the chain was extended with different proportions of 1,4-butane diol (BDO) and chitin. During the detailed FTIR study, it was observed that tri-functional character of chitin results in the formation of network structure due to crosslinking of the material, whereas bi-functional aliphatic diol based polyurethane produced linear PU. Hydrogen bonding between the hard segments was identified by the IR spectroscopy. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis also confirmed the cross-linked structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Spherical shape and 99% purity of biosilica were identified in SEM–EDS. [•] The XRD patterns were analyzed and compared the phase nature of ashes and biosilica. [•] The functional groups of biosilica were recorded by FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Considering the enamel chemical structure, especially carbonate band, which has a major role in the caries prevention, the objective of the present study was to assess the chemical alterations on the enamel irradiated with CO2 laser by means of FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. Design: The enamel surfaces were analysed on a spectrometer for acquisition of the absorption spectrum relative to the chemical composition of the control sample. The irradiation was conducted with a 10.6-μm CO2 laser (0.55W, 660W/cm2). The carbonate absorption band at 1600–1291cm−1 as well as the water absorption band at 3793–2652cm−1 was measured in each sample after the irradiation. The water band was measured again 24-h after the irradiation. The band area of each chemical compound was delimited, the background was subtracted, and the area under each band was integrated. Each area was normalized by the phosphate band (1190–702cm−1). Results: There was a statistically significant decrease (p <0.05) in the water content after irradiation (control: 0.184±0.04; irradiated: 0.078±0.026), which increased again after rehydration (0.145±0.038). The carbonate/phosphate ratio was measured initially (0.112±0.029) and its reduction after irradiation indicated the carbonate loss (0.088±0.014) (p <0.05). Conclusion: The 10.6-μm CO2 laser irradiation diminishes the carbonate and water contents in the enamel after irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pr3+ and Tm3+ (0.2 mol %) ions doped magnesium calcium bismuth titanate [(MgCa)2 Bi4Ti5O20] ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. The structural and morphological properties of prepared ceramic powders were studied by using XRD and SEM profiles. The elemental analysis and FTIR spectra of the prepared ceramics have been analyzed. Emission spectrum of Pr3+: (MgCa)2Bi4Ti5O20 ceramic powder has shown strong red emission at 614 nm (3P0 → 3H6) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 452 nm (3H4 → 3P2) and Tm3+: (MgCa)2Bi4Ti5O20 ceramic powder has shown blue emission at 477 nm (1G4 → 3H6) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 367 nm (3H6 → 1D2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ln(III)-polychelates were prepared using acetophenone based polymeric ligand and characterized by elemental analyses, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, FTIR, 1H NMR and Thermogravimetric analyses. Morphological Study of polymeric ligand and polychelates were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Catalytic activity of selected polychelates was examined for pharmaceutical important organic synthesis. Antimicrobial activity of isolated polychelates against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) were measured. It has been observed that, polychelates act as an efficient and effective catalysts and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An attempt has been made in the present work to estimate the firing temperature of the archaeological pottery shreds excavated from the three archaeological sites namely Maligaimedu, Thiruverkadu and Palur in the state of Tamilnadu in INDIA. The lower limit of firing temperature of the Archaeological pottery shreds were estimated by refiring the samples to different temperatures and recording the corresponding FT-IR spectrum. The firing methods and conditions of firing were inferred from the characteristic absorption positions and the bands observed due to the presence of magnetite and hematite in the samples. In addition, the Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis were carried out to study the internal morphology, vitrification factor and the upper limit of the firing temperature of the potteries fired at the time of manufacture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybrid materials, which consist of organic-inorganic materials, are of profound interest owing to their unexpected synergistically derived properties. These hybrid materials replaced the pristine polymers due to their higher strength and stiffness in the recent years. In the present work, studies concerning the preparation of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PMMA/SiO2, and PMMA/TiO2 nanocomposites are reported. These nanocomposite polymers were synthesized by means of free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator in a water medium. Further 'sol-gel' transformation based hydrolysis and condensation of Ti and Si alkoxides were used to prepare the inorganic phase during the polymerization process of MMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have successfully controlled the number of secondary phases in Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano-structures by changing the concentration of Copper (Cu) atoms. Zinc Copper Oxide (Zn 1-x Cu x O) nanostructures with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 were grown by hydrothermal technique. The increased number of secondary phases with Cu concentration were resulted in the enhancement of Seebeck coefficient (72–124 μV/°C) and power factor (2.3 × 10−4 Wm−1K−2). The secondary phases are served as barrier therefore, filtered the low energy carriers at the interface of two secondary phases which resulted in the enhancement of Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity simultaneously. The emergence of secondary phases with Cu concentration was confirmed with the help supplementary measurements. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) data is confirmed the formation of the wurtzite structure of ZnO along with the presence of Copper Oxide (CuO) based secondary phases. Furthermore, the intensity of secondary phases related XRD peaks were found to be increased with the increase of Cu concentration. Raman spectroscopy data was suggested that the intensity of E 2 high mode was decreased due to the development of a number of secondary phases with Cu concentration. Scanning electron microscope images are shown the formation of hexagonal shaped nano structures. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) data was used to further confirm the presence of secondary phases in the grown Zinc Copper Oxide (ZCO) samples at higher concentration of Cu atoms. • Growth of Cu doped ZnO by hydrothermal method. • Different concentration of Cu creates secondary phases. • Thermoelectric properties enhanced due to the presence of secondary phases. • Presence of secondary phases verified by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiotherapy is a frequently used treatment for oral cancer. Although radiation therapy may promote healing, head and neck-irradiated patients are susceptible to oral complications. Radiation caries is one of the highest indirect and late effects of radiation in the head and neck region damaging the structural and mechanical properties of tooth Enamel & Dentin. The weakened Enamel and Dentin are more susceptible to caries formation. So far, very little is known about the influence of irradiation on the tribological properties of enamel. Therefore, this study is aimed investigate the effect of electron beam radiation on the endodontically treated tooth. Material & Methods: A total number of 20 Intact teeth samples were selected for the study. The samples were endodontically treated and further used for the analysis. Microhardness test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate the structural and Morphological properties of enamel and dentin before and after irradiation treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to analyse the changes in crystallography and chemical composition induced by irradiation. Results: The results showed that irradiation resulted in decreased micrhardness values and loss of prism orientation in both the tissue layers. Also, the variations in mechanical and morphological properties were closely related to changes in the crystallography and chemical composition of the dental tissues. Conclusion: Altogether, the test measurements indicated that irradiation had a direct deleterious effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of human tooth enamel along with the resultant variation in the tissue composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigated the preparation of valine of polyaspartic acid (Val-PASP) and leucine of poly aspartic acid (Leu-PASP) by using polysuccinimide. PASP compounds were used as corrosion and scale inhibitors. The prepared derivatives in this study were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance 1HNMR. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized compounds was studied on carbon steel surface using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The morphology of the C-steel specimens was surveyed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays investigations. Scale agglomeration inhibition was evaluated using different concentrations of the inhibitors using standard scale test method. The highest corrosion inhibition efficiency for Val-PASP and Leu-PASP reaches 86.94 and 88.62% respectively at 250 ppm concentration, while their scale inhibition efficiency reaches 92.3 and 94.1% respectively at 125 ppm concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]