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The impregnation of elements made of wood is one of the most important stages of their maintenance and the modification of their parameters. Incorrectly prepared material is sensitive to moisture, fungi, algae or weather conditions. In the case of large wooden elements or ready-made installations, impregnation is often performed not indoors, but outdoors. Despite the obvious advantages, this solution also has a number of disadvantages. One of them is the long duration of the impregnation process, as well as the variability in the process parameters along with changing weather conditions. In addition, the final material properties may differ not only from batch to batch, but also within the batch. In order to eliminate these problems, the equipment for wood impregnation was modernized. As part of the work, models of installation elements were made, a computer simulation was performed, and the necessary design calculations were carried out. The work will be crowned with the practical implementation of the proposed solutions in test equipment and the verification of design assumptions. The effect of the modernization of the system was a significant shortening of the impregnation process, as well the ability to obtain a final product of higher quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), which had been impregnated with the water-based, copper-containing Korasit KS material from the Alkaline Copper Quaternary group, were investigated in this study. According to ASTM 1413-07el (2007) standard, the wood samples used in the investigation were impregnated with 3 % and 6 % aqueous solutions of Korasit KS. The modulus of rupture, thermal, and water absorption tests were performed on samples of Oriental beech after they had been impregnated. Oriental beech's modulus of rupture values decreased as a result of Korasit KS impregnation. Additionally, Oriental beech had lower modulus of rupture values at greater concentrations of Korasit KS. In every water absorption period, the water absorption values of the Oriental beech impregnated with Korasit KS were higher than those of the control group. Our results showed that Korasit KS impregnation enhanced thermal properties of Oriental beech. Moreover, higher concentration levels of Oriental beech yielded better thermal characteristics of Oriental beech.

When we free the landscape from the aesthetic straightjacket in which it has been imprisoned (at least in France) by the great narratives of its origins (Briffaud, 2014), it becomes possible to embrace the diversity of perceptions and relationships formed between people and their environments. The landscape then becomes the best basis upon which to conduct landscape mediation and it can therefore be opened up to other disciplines and reinterpretations. In this regard, the dwelling perspective developed by Tim Ingold is particularly rich because it shows that such relationships are dynamically related to the practical involvement of individuals with their environments. To understand the subtleties of these dwelling perspectives, which are inseparable from the contexts that engender them, it seems that a practical engagement of the landscape architect with the inhabitants is crucial. It is this approach (consistent with the ethno-geographic approach combining disengagement from and engagement with the landscape experimented by Dominique Henry, 2012, in the Pyrenees) that was chosen to approach the landscapes of the Millevaches Plateau and to engage in the web of complex relationships at the heart of landscape action.

Disinfection is key process in municipal water supply process. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were impregnated on activated carbon (AC) prepared from castor seed hull and used for disinfection of water. The AC and AgNPs-impregnated AC (AC-AgNPs) were characterized using Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to confirm the functional groups, morphology and the presence of silver nanoparticles on the activated carbon. A maximum 0.0427 wt% AgNPs loading was observed for AC treated with 100 mL AgNPs colloid solution and 32 h impregnation time. The maximum BET surface area of AC-AgNPs was 697.54 m2/g found for AC-AgNPs treated with 25 mL AgNPs colloid solution for 8 h. The disinfection performances of the AC-AgNPs on Escherichia coli (E. coli) were investigated through batch and continuous studies. In the batch study, the concentration of E. coli was reduced from 5.6 × 107 to 0.0 in 20 min for AC-AgNPs while no significant changes were observed for non-impregnated AC. Finally, the disinfected water was tested for AgNPs leaching with UV–vis and no AgNPs UV peak was observed.

Introduction: The rotor is the mobile component of an electric motor. A wound rotor is composed primarily of a steel core with insulated copper wires wound around it, after which the winding is immersed into a liquid acrylate-based thermosetting resin bath whose role is to ensure the performance and durability of the motor. This impregnation with resin between the wires occurs under controlled temperature settings to facilitate resin flow and polymerization. This process does not involve any pressurization to further facilitate resin flow between the wires; this suggests that, in addition to viscous effects, capillary and gravity forces play a significant role in the impregnation process.Methods: Our ultimate objective is to evaluate the quality of this impregnation. Doing so requires the characterization and simulation of a multi-material and multiphysics process in which heat transfer, polymerization kinetics, and resin flow are strongly coupled. This paper presents a fully coupled macroscopic multiphysics simulation of a unidirectional thermo-regulated capillary rise set-up.Discussion: The modeling choices made produced a good level of agreement with experimental data and enable explanation of a sudden change of regime observed at 120°C, which can be attributed to the polymerization and thermal gradients and their impact on fluid dynamics.

As a Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode material, Pr 2 NiO 4+δ (PNO) is a critical challenge for SOFC commercialization due to the lack of oxygen vacancies and insufficient redox reaction (ORR) activity. In this paper, various concentrations of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 CoO 3-δ (LSC) nanoparticles are coated on the surface of PNO by an impregnation method, and the ORR kinetics of PNO is found to be improved by constructing a composite cathode with heterointerfaces. The formation of the heterointerface effectively enhances the transfer of interstitial oxygen in the PNO and the oxygen vacancies in LSC, which can promote the conduction of O2− in the cathode and thus improves the ORR activity of the material. When the impregnation concentration of LSC reached C LSC = 0.2 mol L−1, the ORR activity can reach the highest level. At 700 °C, the area-specific resistance of PNO-LSC reaches 0.024 Ω cm2, which is 83.4% lower than that of PNO (0.145 Ω cm2). And the peak power density of PNO-LSC reaches 0.618 W cm−2, which is 1.89 times larger than that of PNO (0.327 W cm−2). Therefore, the construction of composite cathodes with heterointerfaces via impregnation provides an alternative strategy for enhancing the ORR activity of the cathode materials in SOFC. [Display omitted] • Pr 2 NiO 4+δ -La 0.6 Sr 0.4 COO 3-δ cathode is prepared by impregnation method. • The heterointerface promotes the ORR activity of the cathode. • Pr 2 NiO 4+δ -La 0.6 Sr 0.4 COO 3-δ has excellent ORR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a concise overview of up-to-date developments in the processing of neat poly(lactic acid) (PLA), improvement in its properties, and preparation of advanced materials using a green medium (CO2 under elevated pressure). Pressurized CO2 in the dense and supercritical state is a superior alternative medium to organic solvents, as it is easily available, fully recyclable, has easily tunable properties, and can be completely removed from the final material without post-processing steps. This review summarizes the state of the art on PLA drying, impregnation, foaming, and particle generation by the employment of dense and supercritical CO2 for the development of new materials. An analysis of the effect of processing methods on the final material properties was focused on neat PLA and PLA with an addition of natural bioactive components. It was demonstrated that CO2-assisted processes enable the control of PLA properties, reduce operating times, and require less energy compared to conventional ones. The described environmentally friendly processing techniques and the versatility of PLA were employed for the preparation of foams, aerogels, scaffolds, microparticles, and nanoparticles, as well as bioactive materials. These PLA-based materials can find application in tissue engineering, drug delivery, active food packaging, compostable packaging, wastewater treatment, or thermal insulation, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification can significantly improve the service life of wood products, however, from the environmental perspective, the process has its drawbacks causing excessive influence in some specific impact categories. To reduce the impact that is characteristic of each individual modification process and to gain benefits due to synergy, the potential of using a combined treatment (copper azole impregnation + thermal modification) is evaluated. The results show that a combined treatment can provide enhanced environmental performance over each individual modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude tall oil (CTO), a side product of sulphate pulping, has promising results in moisture and decay resistance. This article reports the Pilodyn indentation hardness, basic density, and mechanical performance of 600-mm long Scots pine posts after a nine-year soil contact test. The material consisted of round and square-shaped CTO-impregnated posts, supplemented by copper salt-impregnated and untreated reference posts. In total, 240 posts were installed in fertile soil in south-eastern Finland in spring 2010. Posts were harvested in May 2019. At the end of the test, 192 posts were in a condition that allowed the preparation of specimens for density and compression tests. Discs were sawn from the ground level, as well as above and below the ground level to measure the density and deformation under static 45,000 N parallel-to-the-grain compression load. Altogether 80% of the untreated control posts were rejected from further tests due to severe decay. Square-shaped control posts had a slightly higher survival rate than the round ones. After a nine-year soil contact, the performance of CTO impregnated. Scots pine posts were clearly better than that of untreated control posts and comparable to that of copper salt-impregnated posts. The study suggests that CTO has a high potential as a non-biocide wood preservative even in structures in soil contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, the impregnation of wood with a paraffinic phase change material (PCM) is investigated, specifically to increase the heat capacity of solid wood, which significantly influences the thermal inertia when used in buildings. Four wood species (beech, poplar, oak and spruce) were impregnated with different pressure processes in an autoclave. For poplar, up to 480 kg of PCM per m³ of wood was deposited. For beech and spruce, also more than 200 kg of PCM per m³ of wood was achieved. However, oak was hard to impregnate and only about 100 kg of PCM per m³ was deposited. Leakage, which is undesired, occurred for all the wood species, especially for beech, but could be significantly reduced to less than 10% by increasing the viscosity of the PCM. The heat capacity was increased by one order of magnitude compared to clear wood, as measurements with differential scanning calorimetry showed. Simulations with an analytical model demonstrate the potential for damping temperature amplitudes in buildings in the summer month when applying PCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to obtain a wood material with improved service properties, by combining two industrially used processes – namely a thermo-hydro treatment (THT) and an impregnation (Imp) with a commercial biocide – through the application of both a lower preservative retention and lower modification temperature, respectively. In the study, specimens from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood were used. The properties of the wood obtained with the sequence Imp-THT were extensively studied. Impregnation was performed in a pilot scale autoclave by a vacuum-pressure-vacuum process using a copper-azole type wood preservative, whilst THT was carried out in a WTT laboratory pilot device in a water vapour medium under elevated pressure. To improve physical properties while maintaining strength properties, the THT regime 160°C/1 h was used. The properties (strength, swelling, water uptake, colour, biocide (Cu) fixation properties as well as bioresistance to rot fungus) of combined treated pine wood were compared with those of the wood obtained in the respective separate processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using lignocellulosic raw materials as substrate for biotechnological applications has been a focus of research during the last two decades. They contain sugars, which can be used in industrial fermentation processes, in from of polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose). Wheat straw, one representative of lignocellulosic materials, is sustainably and abundantly available, especially in Europe and North America. However, wheat straw, just like any other lignocellulosic material, needs to be pretreated in one way or the other in order to generate sufficient quantities of monosaccharides. One widely used pretreatment for lignocellulosic material is steam explosion combined with enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the effects of steam exploding wheat straw in combination with water are presented. By impregnation with water, saccharide yields from subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis increased from 18.8 to 22.6 g L−1 for glucose and 13.8 to 16.4 g L−1 for xylose, respectively. Moreover, the basic steam explosion parameters residence time and temperature were optimized in ranges from 5 to 20 min and 180–200 °C. This further optimization increased the maximum saccharide yield to 41.2 g L−1 for glucose (200 °C, 15 min) and 18.9 g L−1 for xylose (190 °C, 10 min). Finally, the growth of the intensively investigated biotechnological production host Yarrowia lipolytica on hydrolysates derived from different steam explosion parameters was evaluated. Y. lipolytica grew well in media containing up to 90% wheat straw hydrolysate as sole carbon source, demonstrating the potential as substrate for biotechnological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of pre-impregnation on surface roughness, wettability, and morphological structure of densified aspen and fir wood were investigated. Wood specimens were impregnated with paraffin, linseed oil, and styrene after pre-vacuum treatment. The impregnated specimens were densified using compression ratios of 20% and 40% at 120 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C. The roughness decreased and the contact angle increased in all impregnated specimens (undensified and densified). Compared to paraffin and linseed oil-impregnated specimens, lower roughness and higher contact angle were found in styrene-impregnated specimens. After densification, the roughness and wettability of the wood specimens decreased. More successful results (lower roughness and higher contact angle) were generally obtained in specimens densified with high compression ratio (40%). In both untreated and impregnated specimens, the contact angle increased with increasing compression temperature. While the effect of compression temperature on the roughness of the fir specimens was not significant, the roughness of the aspen specimens (especially styrene-impregnated) decreased with the increase in temperature. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that impregnation agents (especially styrene) clung to wood cell walls and partially or completely filled the lumens. This was positively correlated with the determined roughness and wettability. Pre-impregnation facilitated wood densification without significant cell deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively large drying collapse has restricted the utilization of low-density oil palm wood (OPW), an agricultural waste in the palm oil industry, for several decades. This work reports a simple pretreatment that allows OPW from all sections of the trunk having a thickness of up to 0.2 m to be severely kiln-dried up to the temperature of 200 °C without any drying defects and with relatively low drying shrinkage. Lightweight characteristics and mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties of the dried OPW are maintained. The pretreatment process involves water impregnation of fresh OPW followed by freezing the OPW below the eutectic temperature of sap (water–sugar) of about −10 °C before kiln drying. This strategy creates localized microcracks at the pit cavities that connect between the parenchyma cells. These microcracks allow the short-range flow of intercellular liquid at atmospheric pressure to compensate for the negative capillary pressure of the intracellular liquid inside the parenchyma cell cavity during drying. A fraction of the intercellular liquid plays a crucial role in the formation of microcracks during freezing and the reduction of cell collapse during drying. The technique is also found to be applicable to the drying of the porous trunk of other palm species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-reforming of methane (BRM) technology has the potential to serve as an alternative energy source while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, the main hurdle in the commercialization of BRM is catalyst deactivation. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted impregnation method was utilized to prepare a Ni-based catalyst supported on fibrous KCC-1 and tested in the BRM process. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, FESEM and TPR-H2 techniques to determine the textural and morphological properties of the catalyst. The catalytic performance was tested in a tabular fixed-bed continuous reactor at 800 °C with a stoichiometric feed ratio of 3:2:1 for CH4: H2O: CO2. For high nickel loadings, it was discovered that agglomerates of the Ni-active phase form on the surface of the support. The catalysts with a 10 wt% Ni content produced the best CO2 (79.2%) and CH4 (82.1%) conversions, as well as an optimum H2/CO = 1.62 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Plastics Science & Technology / Suliao Ke-Ji is the property of Plastics Science & Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The possibility to increase the extent of filling open pores with the aluminum melt during the impregnation of a carbon–graphite material by the deposition of galvanic film coatings on its surface is studied. The following two types of galvanic coatings have been used: a nickel coating and a combined coating comprised of copper and cadmium layers. The coated samples are impregnated using an out-of-autoclave technology in a special-purpose impregnation chamber. The galvanic coatings are shown to facilitate easier penetration of the aluminum melt into pore cavities, providing effective impregnation of a carbon–graphite material with a matrix alloy at low temperatures (<900°C) and pressures (3–5 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, La1−xSrxNi0.4Fe0.6O3-δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) oxides were synthesized and employed as the identical electrode of direct methane symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell (SSOFC). In addition, the phase structure, redox stability, electrical conductivity, chemical compatibility, and thermal expansion of La1−xSrxNi0.4Fe0.6O3-δ oxides were evaluated. The La2NiO4 phase occurs when the amount of doped Sr rises to 0.2. The composition of La0.9Sr0.1Ni0.4Fe0.6O3-δ (LSNF9146) boasts the highest conductivity of 463 S cm−1 with lowest activation energy of 0.066 eV as well as a relatively large thermal expansion coefficient. After treatment in methane for 10 h, the LSNF9146 oxide exhibits 33% lower carbon deposition than the LaNi0.4Fe0.6O3-δ (LNF46) oxide. Moreover, the impregnated LSNF9146 electrode demonstrates lower polarization resistance in both air and methane atmospheres. SSOFCs with impregnated LSNF9146 and LNF46 identical composite electrodes have the maximum power densities of 233 and 170 mW cm−2 at 850 °C in methane, respectively. These results prove that LSNF9146 is a promising symmetrical electrode with high catalytic activity, good redox stability, and coking resistance to direct methane SSOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of e-Scripta Romanica is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this research, the palm kernel shell activated carbon (PKSAC) was prepared and it was impregnated with nano-scale size zero valent iron (PKSAC-nZVI) for the removal of cadmium [Cd(II)] ions from aquatic system. Batch adsorption experiments have been done with operating variables such as amount of Cd(II) ions, dosage, pH, thermal effect, interaction time were optimised. The prepared sorbent PKSAC-nZVI was explained with various characterisation techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The data analysed with different isotherm and kinetic models. Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.997) yielded good results for the elimination of cadmium ions by PKSAC-nZVI. The findings also revealed that the data was well matched with pseudo-second kinetic model (R2 = 0.985). PKSAC-nZVI's maximum capacity for Cd(II) was measured as 425.4 mg/g according to Langmuir model. Thermodynamic tests for Cd(II) ions adsorption were exothermic, spontaneous and feasible. The results revealed that sorbent prepared from agriculture waste PKSAC-nZVI can be an exceptionally encouraging adsorbent for removing Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption of crude oil using raw (unmodified) and Mn2O3 nanoparticle-modified glycine max husks was investigated for treatment of oil-spilled water surfaces by batch sorption technique. Box-Behnken design was employed for optimization of the sorption process by response surface methodology using design expert software. The sorbents' characterization was by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Thermogravimetric analysis. Equilibrium isotherm data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Scatchard models. The Langmuir gave the best fit to the experimental data and maximum monolayer uptake capacities of 3.47 and 5.29 gg−1 were obtained for the raw and nanoparticle-modified glycine max husks (RGMH and NGMH), respectively. Kinetics showed that their sorption will be satisfactorily described using pseudo-second-order, based on their large R2 values and at equilibrium uptake time of 70 and 50 min for oil onto the RGMH and NGMH, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters revealed a process that is non-spontaneous for RGMH, and spontaneous and feasible for NGMH. Regeneration and reusability after three sets of sorption-desorption were better with NGMH. Thus, Mn2O3 NGMH has greater potential as a sorbent for the management of oil-spilled water surfaces than RGMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping CeO2 with Y cations was achieved in this study using three strategies: doping only during the hydrothermal process (H-Y-doped CeO2), doping only during the impregnation process (I-Y-doped CeO2), and doping during both the hydrothermal and impregnation processes (H/I-Y-doped CeO2). During the three synthesis strategies of Y-doped CeO2, these Y ions could be incorporated into the CeO2 lattice in the +3 state while holding the cubic fluorite structure, and no impurity phases were detected. Pure CeO2 crystal itself contained a certain number of intrinsic VO defects, and Y-doping was beneficial for the creation of extrinsic VO defects. The relative concentrations of VO defects were quantified by the values of A592/A464 obtained from Raman spectra, which were 1.47, 0.93, and 1.16 for the H-Y-, I-Y-, and H/I-Y-doped CeO2, respectively, and were higher than that of the undoped one (0.67). Moreover, the OSCs of the three Y-doped CeO2 were enhanced, and the sequence of OSCs was: H-Y-doped CeO2 (0.372 mmol/g) > H/I-Y-doped CeO2 (0.353 mmol/g) > I-Y-doped CeO2 (0.248 mmol/g) > Undoped CeO2 (0.153 mmol/g); this result was in good agreement with the Raman spectroscopy results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex structure reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB-SiC) can be prepared by reactive melt infiltration (RMI) and digital light processing (DLP). However, the strength and modulus of RB-SiC prepared by DLP are not sufficient, due to its low solid content (around 40 vol.%), compared with the traditional fabrication techniques (solid content > 60 vol.%). With this understanding, a new method to improve the properties of RB-SiC was proposed, by the impregnation of composite precursor into the porous preform. The composite precursor was composed of phenolic (PF) resin and furfuryl alcohol (FA). PF and FA were pyrolyzed at 1850 °C to obtain amorphous carbon and graphite into the porous preform, respectively. The effects of multiphase carbon on the microstructure and performance of RB-SiC was studied. When the mass ratio of PF to FA was 1/4, the solid content of RB-SiC increased from 40 vol.% to 68.6 vol.%. The strength, bulk density and modulus were 323.12 MPa, 2.94 g/cm3 and 348.83 Gpa, respectively. This method demonstrated that the reaction process between liquid Si and carbon could be controlled by the introduction of multiphase carbon into the porous preforms, which has the potential to regulate the microstructure and properties of RB-SiC prepared by additive manufacturing or other forming methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native corn starch and pretreated corn starch were treated with α-amylase, glucoamylase and mixtures of both to generate starches with high porosity with conserved granular structure. Porous starches were characterized; particle size distribution analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy, water and oil adsorption capacity, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction and damaged starch techniques were used. The α-amylase/glucoamylase mixture at the highest dose was the best treatment to generate porous starches with interesting adsorption capacity and granular structure conservation. Selected starches were impregnated with chia oil using a vacuum. Pretreated corn starch modified with the α-amylase/glucoamylase mixture showed no significant differences on impregnation capacity compared with native starch with a similar enzyme treatment. The highest oxidative stability was achieved with pretreated porous starch impregnated with 10 to 25% chia oil, compared with the bulk oil (5.37 to 4.72 and 2.58 h, respectively). Results have demonstrated that vacuum impregnation could be a potential technique for the incorporation of oil in porous structures based on starch and porous starches obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis are a promising material for the incorporation and protection of oils susceptible to oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility of copper(II) acetylacetonate in supercritical carbon dioxide was studied using a circulation unit created based on the R-401 supercritical fluid extraction system. The results were compared with the literature data. The solubility of the complex was additionally studied at 323 and 333 K. The applicability of various copper metal complex compounds in impregnation treatment of polymer materials was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study of the optical properties of cesium-containing quartzoid glasses (QG NFF-Cs) obtained as a result of the heat treatment of high-silica porous glasses (PGs) impregnated with aqueous solutions of CsNO3. It is established that the introduction of cesium into the composition of high-silica quartz glasses (QG NFF) led to the emergence of absorption bands at 332, 384, 388, 442, 492, 565, 567, 583, 586, 621, 635, 695, 696, and 703 nm, which are related to the absorption of cesium atoms. The introduction of cesium into the composition of the glass leads to a decrease in the absorbance QG NFF-Cs by 15–20% compared to the QG NFF and to the drag of the refractive index. The maximum increase in the refractive index of the synthesized quartzoid glasses containing cesium is 0.002 (QG NFF nD, 1.4605; QG NFF-Cs nD, 1.4625) for PG impregnation conditions with 0.6 mol/L CsNO3 within 3 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured metal oxides and composites based on them are promising materials for use in different areas, such as electronics, sensors, ceramics, adsorbents, catalysts, and others. However, many studies about the synthesis conditions influence of various metal oxides and their composites on their physicochemical properties and the purposeful control of these properties remain under question. The article considers the conditions for obtaining nanomaterials and nanocomposites of metal oxides (TiO2, ZrO2, Fe3O4) on their properties. The relevance of this direction is due to the promising usage of metal oxide nanomaterials and especially nanocomposites as adsorbents and photocatalysts for purifying wastewater from pollutants of different nature. TiO2, ZrO2, Fe3O4 nanomaterials and nanocomposites based on them were obtained by various wet synthesis methods (sol–gel, hydrothermal, chemical deposition, and impregnation). The influence of the main synthesis parameters of TiO2, ZrO2, Fe3O4 nanomaterials, and nanocomposites on their physicochemical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption. It is shown that the synthesis method significantly affects the physicochemical properties of metal oxide nanomaterials. It is established that a given modification of TiO2 or ZrO2 can be obtained by adjusting the crystallite size during the synthesis. It is found that the synthesized TiO2/SnO2, TiO2/CdS, activated carbon/ZrO2 and clay minerals/Fe3O4 nanocomposites in all cases have better adsorption and photocatalytic properties compared to individual metal oxide phases. To study the adsorption–catalytic properties of TiO2, Fe3O4 metal oxides and their composites, the traditional organic molecules Methylene Blue and Congo Red were chosen; to study the ion–exchange characteristics of ZrO2 metal oxides and its composites, phosphate and iron (III) ions were selected. Thus, modification of individual phases of metal oxides allows controlling their adsorption, ion exchange and photocatalytic properties. This is caused by the synergistic effects observed in nanocomposites related to the improvement of textural and surface characteristics and the formation of multiple acid–base centers on their surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of any wood treatment process and the measure of protection conferred on treated wood are determined by the uptake and penetration of the treatment chemicals, in addition to the efficacy of the chemicals used for the treatment. Hence, the level of treatability of wood species should be pre-determined prior to the wood treatment to ensure the overall protection of the treated wood. Gmelina arborea wood, due to its low durability, requires impregnation with chemicals for preservation or chemical modification to enhance its durability. However, more details are required to establish the influence of its anatomy on impregnation to recommend appropriate treatment methods. Therefore, gmelina wood samples were treated under pressure to determine the solution uptake and penetration, while anatomical studies were carried out with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements. Variations in stem heights, stem diameters, and samples from other tree stands were considered. The outcome of the study showed that the liquid uptake was generally low for gmelina wood among the selected stands (16%–23%) and there was no significant difference in stem diameters; meanwhile, penetration was less than 4 mm in the axial direction, and very low in the lateral (radial and tangential) direction. Vessels of gmelina wood have abundant tyloses, while crystalline structures with needlelike shapes are present in a large proportion of the ray parenchyma cells, and are confirmed with SEM-EDX to be made up of calcium oxalate. The low liquid uptake and penetration in gmelina wood suggest that the impregnation of chemicals into its microstructure is next to impossible. Hence, alternative treatment methods other than those involving impregnation with chemicals should be sought to enhance its durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthetic approach influence in morphostructural features and catalytic performances for Ni/CeO2 catalysts. Incipient wetness impregnation, coprecipitation and nitrate combustion were studied as catalyst preparation approaches, and the materials were then tested at 700 °C for methane dry reforming (MDR). The morphostructural properties of the materials were deeply studied using several techniques, such as temperature programmed reduction (TPR), to investigate reducibility and support-metal interaction, N2 physisorption to evaluate the porosity and the surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to estimate Ni dispersion, and temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) to identify the type and amount of coke formed on catalysts' surface after reaction. From the data obtained, coprecipitation turned out to be the most suitable technique for this application because this catalyst was able to reach 70% of CO2 conversion and 30% methane conversion, with an H2 yield of 15% and 30% yield of CO at the end of the 30 h test. Moreover, it was also the catalyst with the highest metal dispersion, the strongest interaction with the support, and the lowest coke deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was intended to synthesise, characterise and evaluate the antibacterial activity and Escherichia coli removal efficacy of a novel polyurethane foam impregnated with nanochitosan and nanosilver/silver oxide (PFCA). The study also exposed the effectiveness of nanochitosan as a disinfectant and as a binder for AgNPs, which has not been explored so far. The E. coli removal mechanism and antibacterial activity of PFCA were established by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD pattern and SEM analysis. PFCA achieved complete removal of E. coli with sufficient reusing capacities and possessed 100% antibacterial efficiency in a bacterial suspension of 5 × 106 CFU/mL. The study also showed that varying pH from 5 to 9 did not make any significant changes in the removal of E. coli. The presence of co-existing ions and organic matter did not reduce the efficiency of PFCA. The elution of silver ions (a very common limitation in treatment processes involving silver ions) was found to be much less, well below the drinking water limit. The study proved excellent potential of PFCA in removing E. coli, making it a viable disinfectant for water/wastewater treatment. HIGHLIGHTS Developed a novel and reliable sorbent cum disinfectant, PFCA by loading nanochitosan and nanosilver/silver oxide on PUF.; PFCA achieved complete removal of coliforms with sufficient reusing capacities.; The elution of silver ions was found to be much less, well below the drinking water limit.; Performance was unaffected in the presence of co-existing anions and organic matter.; No pH adjustment is required.;

Contamination of water by hexavalent chromium generated from man–made activities remains one of the challenges for environmental pollution. Activated carbon impregnated with diluted polyethyleneimine (PEI) solutions was investigated as a possible adsorbent for the remediation of water contaminated with toxic Cr(VI). The activated carbon adsorbents were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Parameters that influence the adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) were evaluated, and it was observed that high removal efficiency was achieved at pH 3 with a contact time of 120 min and 1 g L−1 dosage concentration. The data were analyzed by kinetic and isotherm models. The data fitted well into the Elovich and Langmuir models, the latter yielding a maximum adsorption capacity of 114 mg g−1. Overall, the MAC-PEI showed promise as a potential adsorbent to remove noxious Cr(VI) in aqueous solution.

Relevance of the work is related to the fact that currently the technological processes of exploration, extraction, transportation of geo-resources in the oil, mining, coal, chemical and other industries are subject to a high level of mechanization and automation involving electric machines. The reliability and trouble-free operation of these machines depend on the state of the winding insulation, the role of which is played by the insulation of the windings of electric motors. Reliability indicators of this element of the windings are laid in the process of their production. At the same time, a significant contribution to the mentioned indicators is made by the technological operation of impregnation. The probability of hiding defects in the insulation of the windings, thermal properties of electric motors, moisture resistance and solidity of the windings depend on how well this operation is carried out. Therefore, the improvement of impregnation and increase of its efficiency are very topical. The purpose of the work is to create a mathematical model of the technological operation of impregnation with the use of electrostatic charging of the impregnating composition jet; to show that it is possible to reduce the level of induced voltage used for electrostatic charging of the impregnating composition jet by strengthening the electric field in the nozzle area, from which the frontal parts of the winding are watered with impregnating composition, by giving the nozzle a certain shape. Methods. When creating a mathematical model, classical methods of solving differential equations describing electromagnetic fields were used, and experimental studies made it possible to establish the adequacy of the created model. Results. The results of modeling and research of a new technology of impregnation of windings of electric machines with an electrostatically charged jet of impregnating composition are presented. A mathematical model was developed linking the field gain at the top of an ellipsoid nozzle with its geometric parameters. The experimental verification of the obtained model was carried out and the adequacy of the model to the experimental results was shown. The data of practical application of the obtained model on real factory installations are presented, showing the real possibility of reducing the voltage level at the nozzle and the effectiveness of the proposed impregnation of the windings. The advantages of the proposed technology are shown in comparison with typical impregnation technologies based on the data obtained in real production. The proposed technology will significantly reduce the likelihood of factory defects due to winding circuits in the windings, will increase the reliability of manufactured electric motors in the process.

X-ray photoelectron spectrometry combined with FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed highlighting the different interactions of grafts or impregnated polymers on the mineral surface of diatomite obtained by treatment of raw diatomite under reflux with a 5 M solution of hydrochloric acid for 24 h. This acid treatment led to almost total elimination of organic impurities with a total decalcification of the diatomite, leading to its deferrization and partial dealumination, and the obtaining of a support with a homogeneous siliceous surface mainly constituted of Si−OH and Si−O−Si functional groups. The surface of the diatomite washed with HCl became totally saturated with PEG-20M and SE30 with respective impregnation rates of 5 and 2 %. However, the grafting and/or impregnation of this diatomite with octadecyltrichlorosilane (C18) and docosane (C22) led to the formation of perfectly homogeneous surfaces.

[Display omitted] • The bending strength is 98% greater than that of natural bamboo. • The composites exhibit an ultra-high toughness of 39.59 MJ/m3. • The composite material exhibits hydrophobic properties, characterized by a contact angle of 93.7°. The low strength and high hygroscopicity of natural bamboo limit its use in structural building materials. Herein, lignin and hemicellulose were partially removed from natural bamboo in order to create bamboo frameworks featuring well-aligned bamboo fibers. Subsequently, these bamboo frameworks (BF) are infused with epoxy resin (EP) modified with PDMS and subjected to hot-pressing to fabricate bamboo-epoxy composites (PDMS-EP/BF). The incorporation of flexible PDMS chains facilitated intermolecular chain entanglement, which inhibited crack propagation and improved the bonding between bamboo and EP. The findings of the research indicated that the PDMS-EP/BF composites exhibited a significant enhancement in flexural strength by 98%, modulus of elasticity by 129%, toughness by 399%, and tensile strength by 177% when compared to natural bamboo. Additionally, the modification led to a decrease in the surface energy of the composites, resulting in increased hydrostatic contact angle and imparting water repellency to the material. Compared to natural bamboo, PDMS-EP/BF has 309% higher water contact angle and 143% lower surface energy. In addition, large composites have been prepared and their interface strength was tested. The findings of the study offer insights into the potential enhancement of bamboo composites to achieve increased flexural strength, modulus, and toughness. This could expand the utilization and significance of bamboo in the realm of construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation by photo-Fenton process using Fe-clay as heterogeneous catalyst. [Display omitted] • Local clay was used to support wet impregnation synthesis of a iron-based heterogeneous catalyst. • Fe-CY catalyst efficiently degrades methylene blue dye from wastewater via photo-Fenton process. • Fe-CY catalyst is stable, non-toxic, and easily recyclable. • Solar-Fenton process is cost-effective, while microwave-Fenton degrades methylene blue faster. This study presents a newly developed, highly efficient heterogeneous iron-based catalyst (Fe-CY), supported on treated bentonite clay (CY), designed for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The bentonite clay underwent a two-stage treatment involving physical and chemical processes to produce the designated treated clay (CY), which served as the support material for Fe-CY catalyst preparation using the wet impregnation technique. Subsequently, the performance of the resulting catalyst was assessed in a photo-Fenton reaction aimed at degrading MB dye under both solar and microwave irradiation conditions. To determine the optimal decolorization conditions, several variables, including catalyst dosage, H 2 O 2 quantity, pH, and initial MB concentration in the reaction system, were systematically investigated. Miscellaneous characterization techniques were employed to assess the support, and prepared catalyst. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine crystallinity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze morphological structure, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify surface functional groups, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis for the purpose of elemental analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) for analyzing the textural properties. The experimental findings highlight the remarkable effectiveness of the catalyst in degrading methylene blue (MB). Upon exposure to sunlight and microwave irradiation, the catalyst achieved substantial MB color removal rates of 99.5% and 95.5% within 180 and 8 min, respectively. Moreover, the stability of the catalyst was evaluated across three consecutive cycles, revealing a sustained removal efficiency of 83.05%. Finally, a comprehensive investigation into the mechanism behind methylene blue (MB) removal was conducted, revealing insights into the unique catalytic properties of the Fe-clay catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesized an adsorbent (Xylitol-AC) suitable for removing B 2 H 6 in polysilicon production. • The B 2 H 6 adsorption breakthrough time and breakthrough adsorption capacity of Xylitol-AC are 570 min and 8.45 mg·g−1, respectively. • The priority order of impregnation conditions was analyzed by Grey relational analysis method. • The adsorption mechanism of B 2 H 6 by Xylitol-AC: B 2 H 6 reacts with R-OH to generate B(RO) 3 , B-(RO) 4 and H 2. To enhance polysilicon purity by removing diborane (B 2 H 6) impurities from recycled hydrogen (H 2) in the production of polysilicon, a strategy involving the use of an adsorbent developed from activated carbon (AC) impregnated with xylitol was implemented. The adsorption breakthrough time and B₂H₆ breakthrough adsorption capacity for the adsorbent Xylitol-AC, under optimal xylitol impregnation conditions, were determined to be 570 min and 8.45 mg·g−1, respectively. The importance ranking of various impregnation conditions on adsorption characteristics was analyzed through Grey relational analysis (GRA). Analyses such as SEM-EDS, BET, FT-IR, CO₂-TPD, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the presence of abundant –OH groups in Xylitol-AC plays a pivotal role in its effective B₂H 6 adsorption capability. The mechanism for B₂H 6 adsorption by Xylitol-AC involves the interaction between B₂H 6 and –OH groups, resulting in the formation of B(OR) 3 , B-(OR) 4 , and H₂. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for the survival of all living things; however, its extensive use in agriculture, high-tech manufacturing, energy production, and the rapid development of the chemical and petroleum industries has led to significant contamination, making water pollution a major concern today. Ammonia is one of the most harmful contaminants present in water, posing significant environmental and health risks that require appropriate remediation methods. To remove ammonia from contaminated water, we employ Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Activated Carbon (AC). To ensure appropriate metal impregnation on the adsorbents, Fe, Al, Ag, and Cu were impregnated into both CNT and AC, followed by extensive characterization using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-rays (EDX). To optimize ammonia removal from water, several parameters were adjusted, including pH, dose amount, contact time, shaking speed, and temperature. Astonishingly, the highest removal efficiency of 40% was achieved with a 1 g dosage at pH 10.5 and 200 RPM, while silver oxide had a lower removal rate of 10% under the same conditions. Temperature additionally had a significant impact, with removal percentages reaching 40% at 70 °C as compared to 21.5% at 25 °C. Adsorption isotherms were used to analyze the experimental data, along with Langmuir and Freundlich's models. Notably, Langmuir produced superior curve fitting, resulting in a correlation factor close to one. Furthermore, kinetic modeling was carried out with 2nd-order and pseudo-2nd-order equations, with the latter responding better according to curve analysis. Because the ammonia removal rate was low, this study indicates the feasibility of implementing an adsorption technique using CNT and AC as a pre-treatment method for this purpose. This approach has the potential for future optimization and deployment in tackling water contamination concerns effectively. [Display omitted] • Ammonia was separated from contaminated water using Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Activated Carbon. • Five parameters were studied including pH, amount of dosage, contact time, shaking speed, and temperature. • Maximum 40% removal was achieved at 1 g dosage with pH 10.5, while silver oxide showed 10% removal at the same conditions. • Langmuir and Freundlich's models were used where Langmuir gave better curve fitting. • It is concluded that the pseudo 2nd order kinetic model gave a better fitting graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercialization of proton solid oxide fuel cells (H-SOFCs) is hindered by the lack of high active and durable cathode materials exposed to evil operation conditions. Here, this groundbreaking study addresses two critical challenges impeding the practicality of La 0.6 Sr 0 · 4 Co 0 · 2 Fe 0 · 8 O 3-δ (LSCF), one of the most popular proton-conducting cathode materials contemporarily: inadequate temperature activity and durability issues stemming from surface Sr segregation. The research introduces a transformative solution through the creation of a novel nanofiber cathode, denoted as PrBaCo 1.4 Fe 0 · 6 O 6-δ @LSCF, comprising a nanoscale LSCF FP host and PBCF NP guest. Advanced electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques confirm the seamless integration of the two phases, highlighting a distinctive fiber structure adorned with impregnated nanoparticles. Meanwhile, efficiently reducing oxygen vacancies within the LSCF bulk phase significantly suppresses Sr segregation. Systematic simulations based on density functional theory reveal that the incorporation of PSCF reduces the polarization energy barrier. In practical terms, electrochemical testing of a single cell supported by PBCF@LSCF shows a polarization resistance of only 0.053 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, translating to a remarkable fifty percent reduction. Furthermore, a sustained 100-h test reveals no notable decline in performance. Consequently, a novel dual modification approach is proposed for crafting cathodes tailored for SOFCs. • PBCF is impregnated in the LSCF cathode of H-SOFCs. • Sr segregation is substantially suppressed. • No significant degradation is detected under long-term operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to improve the thermal stability, flame resistance, and surface properties of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) wood via different impregnation methods. The impregnation methods were employed through two distinct modalities: vacuum impregnation and immersion impregnation. Here, poplar wood was impregnated with calcium oxide solutions (1%, 3% and 5%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed a shift in the typical peaks of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin depending on the impregnation method and solution ratio. Thermogravimetric analysis and the limiting oxygen index indicated that the samples impregnated with lime solutions exhibited higher thermal stability than the unimpregnated wood. Both impregnation methods caused a decrease in water absorption and thickness swelling of the sample groups. Using a scanning electron microscope, the effect of the impregnation process on the structure of the wood was examined. In terms of surface properties, it was determined that the surface roughness value increased. On the contrary, it was observed that the contact angle value also increased. A significant difference emerged between the applied methods. In conclusion, the applied lime minerals are suitable substances to increase the flame resistance and thermal stability of black poplar wood.

The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is an exotic tropical fruit of great national and international importance due to its nutritional and organoleptic properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate different postharvest treatments—coating, vacuum impregnation, and immersion—on the conservation of several quality characteristics of cape gooseberry fruit. Moreover, the different conditions of the selected treatments were studied. Weight loss was assessed with a gravimetric analysis of the fresh and treated fruit. Firmness was determined by the instrumental texture. A sensory analysis was conducted using a multidimensional profile approach. Of the treatments evaluated, the lowest weight loss was recorded with the use of coating and immersion. However, the immersion process resulted in the product with the highest overall quality according to the sensory analysis and presented the most appropriate texture according to the firmness values. Finally, in the evaluation of the immersion, a significant influence of the CaCl2 immersion time (p < 0.05) on the firmness values of the product was found, resulting in longer times leading to less firm products. Considering 10% as a commercial standard limit for weight loss, the fruit treated under immersion and coating processes can be stored for at least 12 days. The immersion process is highlighted because it improved the sensory characteristics with respect to the control (i.e., without treatment). Therefore, it is a promising alternative for the postharvest treatment of cape gooseberries.

Copper modified titanium dioxide photocatalysts have been widely reported for their excellent performance in the wastewater treatment. However, there is lack of information on the effect of different synthesis methods towards the properties and catalytic activity of the photocatalyst. In this research, a series of copper-doped titanium dioxide (Cu-TiO2) photocatalysts were synthesized via three different methods of sonochemical, impregnation and physical mixing. Cu-TiO2 with varied molar ratios of Cu dopant to TiO2 TR595 (100:0, 99:1, 98:2, 97:3 and 96:4) were prepared. Comparison of physical-chemical properties and photocatalytic activity among the synthesized samples were made. X-ray diffraction analysis depicted the formation of TiO2 rutile phase in all samples. Besides, diffuse reflectance UV-visible analysis proved that the synthesized samples were active under visible light region. According to the Tauc plot and photoluminescence spectra, the band gap energies and recombination rate of electron-hole pairs of Cu-TiO2 samples decreased upon loading of Cu. Moreover, EDX analysis confirmed the existence of Ti and Cu in all the samples. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the synthesized samples were discovered through photodegradation of Rhodamine B organic dye under 6 hours of visible light irradiation. Amongst, Cu-TiO2 photocatalysts synthesized via sonochemical method with molar ratio of 98:2 produced the highest photocatalytic activity of 64.8% which attributed to the lowest recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers and availability of large number of reactive oxidative species.

The study aimed to determine the effect of impregnation with modified starch of recycled paper (Testliner) on elasticity constants of slender core cells and the influence on the elasticity constants and strength of honeycomb with facings made of thin particleboards. The experimental tests were carried out on beams subjected to three-point bending. It was shown that slender hexagonal cells significantly differentiate their elastic properties and elastic properties of honeycomb panels in the main directions of orthotropy. Impregnation of the Testliner paper with modified starch reduces the values of the modulus of elasticity of the cells by about 8.8 % and reduces the values of the modulus of elasticity of the honeycomb panels by at least 6.9 %. Analytical solutions that do not take into account the structural form of the core cannot be used to calculate the modulus of elasticity of sandwich panels with hexagonal core cells.

Abstract In this study, the hybrid Entropy-TOPSIS method is applied to the problem of selecting an optimal impregnation material with maximum performance requirements. Swelling, shrinkage, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength and shock strength values were used to rank the impregnation materials. Barite, boric acid, borax and their mixture were used to impregnation material. The impregnation materials used in the study generally increased the physical and mechanical properties of the spruce specimens, except swelling. The impregnation materials reduced the swelling of the specimens. According to the entropy method, the most important factor affecting the success of the impregnation process was the modulus of elasticity. According to the TOPSIS method, the most successful impregnation material was a mixture of barite and boric acid. Moreover, the proposed method was compared with other Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches and it can be used to ranking of impregnation materials with reliable accuracy.

Direct ink writing as additive manufacturing technique was used to print two different boehmite based shapes, cylinders and monoliths, serving as catalyst carriers. These were wet impregnated targeting 0.3–0.9 wt% platinum loadings. ICP-OES, μCT and microscopy revealed dependencies from calcination temperature, geometry and platinum loading. Dehydrogenation reactions of perhydro dibenzyltoluene as liquid organic hydrogen carrier were performed examining the catalytic performance. Differences when executing full particle measurements led to the conclusion that direct ink writing as shaping technique for catalyst carriers and the respective impregnation is highly beneficial as more complex shapes can be obtained, resulting in higher activities.

In this study, natural Algerian kaolin was used as a support and impregnated with nickel at different loading amounts (2 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 7 wt.%) in order to prepare a supported catalyst. The wet impregnation technique was used in this preparation; nickel oxide (NiO) was the active phase precursor of the catalyst, and the catalysts were designated as follows: 2%, 5%, and 7% Ni/kaolin. These catalysts were put to the test in catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) for degrading the organic contaminant malachite green dye (MG). Analytical techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET, and X-fluorescence were used to examine the structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the support and the produced catalysts. Several parameters, including temperature, catalytic dose, metal loading, hydrogen peroxide volume, and kinetic model were systematically investigated. The combination of improved parameters resulted in a significant increase in the catalytic activity, achieving a high removal rate of MG dye of 98.87%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isochoric impregnation was explored as a novel pressure‐assisted infusion technique to fortify plant materials with bioactive compounds. Apple and potato cylinders were impregnated with a sucrose solution containing 4% ascorbic acid (AA) while freezing under isochoric conditions. Isochoric impregnation resulted in greater infusion of AA compared to infusion at atmospheric pressure, which demonstrated the feasibility of this impregnation technology. Processing temperatures (–3°C and –5°C) and processing times (1, 3, and 5 h) significantly affected the AA infusion. The AA content values ranged from 446 to 516 mg/100 g for apples and 322 to 831 mg/100 g for sweet potatoes under isochoric conditions. For both plant materials, isochoric impregnation at –3°C did not cause major changes in texture and microstructure of the biological tissues. These results indicated that isochoric impregnation of solid foods could be a feasible technology for infusion of bioactive compounds without significantly altering their matrix. Practical Application: The findings of this study showed that the use of isochoric impregnation as a fortification technique is a promising way to develop fresh‐like and value‐added products with improved nutrition during preservation at subfreezing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]