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This paper explores the incorporation of Terbium(III) oxide as a rare earth metal modifier in sodium borate glasses containing PbO/Bi 2 O 3 , aiming to enhance the efficiency of optoelectronic devices. The synthesis and characterization of these glasses are detailed, highlighting the unique properties introduced by Terbium(III) oxide. The study investigates the regularities in the characteristics such as physical, XRD, UV, FTIR, and optical properties of 70B 2 O 3 –15Na 2 O – 15PbO – (5-x)Bi 2 O 3 – xTb 2 O 3 , where x = 0; 1; 2; 3; 5 mol% prepared glassy samples, considering varying concentrations of bismuth and the modifier (e.g. Tb 2 O 3), and examines their mutual impact on the borate glass matrix involved. It is found that there are sharp peaks on the diffraction pattern, which increase in width and intensity with increasing Terbium concentration from 3 to 5 mol% in the glass matrices, e.g. two-phase structures, amorphous and crystalline, are observed. Moreover, a wide excitation band in the glass matrix is also observed in the region of 200–320 nm. The study delves into the potential applications of these modified glasses in highly efficient optoelectronic devices, contributing valuable insights to the advancement of materials for technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations that employ analytical force fields have been commonly utilized to investigate mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of oxide glasses owing to their superior computational efficiency. Conversely, simple functional forms limit the accuracy in modeling complicated glass structures, specifically, in alkaline borate glasses, which exhibit boron coordination numbers that vary nonlinearly with changes in glass composition and temperature. Machine‐learning potentials (MLPs), which are trained using datasets on energy and force evaluated via the density functional theory (DFT), are garnering significant attention as a novel simulation technology for enhancing the accuracy in modeling materials. Therefore, this study applied a universal MLP, PreFerred Potential (PFP) (trade‐name: Matlantis), to model sodium borate glasses, and its accuracy was verified in reproducing boron coordination and ring structures by comparing its results to available experimental data. We found that PFP can quantitatively reproduce the boron coordination change with glass composition without any empirical correction, while the boron coordination in the melts at high temperatures is overestimated, even though the qualitative variation was better estimated than CMD simulations. Furthermore, the MLP could generate many 3‐rings, unlike the analytical force‐field. Accordingly, we demonstrated superior accuracy of the MLP in modeling alkaline borate glasses, while discussing the challenges faced in reproducing the elaborated microstructures in borate glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imbibing watermelon seeds in 1 mM sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7) for 24 h systemically protected plants against foliar infection by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum in detached leaves and under greenhouse conditions. The treatment resulted in both a reduction in the overall percentage of leaf infection as well as in the size of lesions. Studies of the mechanisms by which Na2B4O7 protected watermelon showed that there was no direct effect on the S. cucurbitacearum mycelium growth in vitro. On the other hand, plants raised from seeds primed with Na2B4O7 showed a higher frequency of fluorescent epidermal cells compared to the plants treated with water. This indicates that a higher number of cells expressed the hypersensitive response after Na2B4O7 priming. In addition, there was an increase in peroxidase activity and an enhanced accumulation of a 45 kDa acidic peroxidase isoform during the early stages of infection in plants treated with Na2B4O7 compared to plants treated with water and this was positively correlated to the reduction of leaf infection caused by the pathogen. These results indicate that Na2B4O7 is able to induce systemic resistance in watermelon against S. cucurbitacearum by activating the hypersensitive reaction at penetration sites, increasing peroxidase activity and altering the peroxidase isozyme profile. Although each individual response may only have had a minor effect, their combined effects had a reducing effect on the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The flexible and self-healing supercapacitors (SCs) are considered to be promising smart energy storage devices. Nevertheless, the SCs integrated with flexibility, lightweight, pattern editability, self-healing capabilities and desirable electrochemical properties remain a challenge. Herein, an all-in-one self-healing SC fabricated with the free-standing hybrid film (TCMP) composed of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxy-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs) carried carbon nanotubes (CNTs), manganese dioxide (MnO 2) and polyaniline (PANI) as the electrode, polyvinyl alcohol/sulfuric acid (PVA/H 2 SO 4) gel as the electrolyte and dynamically cross-linked cellulose nanofibers/PVA/sodium tetraborate decahydrate (CNF/PB) hydrogel as the self-healing electrode matrix is developed. The TCMP film electrodes are fabricated through a facile in-situ polymerization of MnO 2 and PANI in TOCNs-dispersed CNTs composite networks, exhibiting lightweight, high electrical conductivity, flexibility, pattern editability and excellent electrochemical properties. Benefited from the hierarchically porous structure and high mechanical properties of TOCNs, excellent electrical conductivity of CNTs and the desirable synergistic effect of pseudocapacitance induced by MnO 2 and PANI, the assembled SC with an interdigital structure demonstrated a high areal capacitance of 1108 mF cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2, large areal energy density of 153.7 μWh cm−2 at 1101.7 μW cm−2. A satisfactory bending cycle performance (capacitance retention up to 95 % after 200 bending deformations) and self-healing characteristics (∼90 % capacitance retention after 10 cut/repair cycles) are demonstrated for the TCMP-based symmetric SC, delivering a feasible strategy for electrochemical energy storage devices with excellent performance, designable patterns and desirable safe lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses of composition 40B2O3-10Na2O-(50-x)ZnO-xSb2O3, where x = 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mol% were synthesised through the melt quenching technique. The physical characteristics such as density, molar volume, refractive index, molar refraction, and oxide ion polarizability ensure that the overall polarizability of the glass network changes with the enhanced incorporation of antimony. Supercontinuum generation from these glasses were recorded at various femtosecond (fs) pump laser intensities. The observed change in the spectral broadening for the glasses is further discussed using different structural and optical characterisation methods such as Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The reduction in O1s binding energy and the increase in the concentration of BO3− structural groups associated with Antimony content indicates an increase in the formation of Non-Bridging Oxygens (NBO) in the glass network. The impact of this enhanced polarizability nature of atomic bonds and the formation of NBOS within the glass network on the generation of supercontinuum are discussed in the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of pure water and valuable substances from wastewater is a major challenge in the context of the circular economy, requiring advanced separation methods. However, actual membrane separation techniques such as forward osmosis are limited by membrane fouling and selectivity. Here, we synthesized composite membranes by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, using both glutaraldehyde and borax as crosslinking agents, on top of cellulose ester membranes. We tested these composite membranes on model and real wastewater. Results show that the composite membranes retain ammonium effectively, maintain surface electroneutrality, and exhibit remarkable resistance to fouling by organic and biological contaminants. This is explained by the high hydrophilicity of the membrane surface after application of a hydrogel layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is proposed to develop new electrodes for high performance and flexible supercapacitors by doping sodium borate (Na2B4O5(OH)4·8H2O) (NaB) and zinc borate (Zn3B6O12·3.5H2O) (ZnB) to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) for the first time. NaB and ZnB were doped to PEDOT:PSS in different ratios (0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25 and 2.5 mg ml−1) and coated on glass substrates by a spin coating method, which is a simple and low cost deposition technically. Studies were carried out to determine the structural, electrical, optical and morphological properties of the thin films produced. Electrochemical properties were determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) tests. The 2.5 mg ml−1 NaB doped PEDOT:PPS/GCE exhibited 10 times higher capacitance than the undoped PEDOT:PSS electrode material (1.0 V potential range, 0.1 M NaCl electrolyte). This study proposes a new electrode material produced at low cost in one-step for supercapacitor applications with improved electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground: Glycine is a conditional non-essential amino acid in human and other mammals. It is abundant in the liver and is known for a wide spectrum of characteristics including the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cryoprotective effects. The amino acid is a naturally occurring osmolyte compatible with protein surface interactions and has been reported in literature as a potent therapeutic immuno-nutrient for liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease. Oral glycine administration protects ethanol-induced liver injury, improves serum and tissue lipid profile, and alleviates hepatic injury in various conditions. In recent years, sodium salt of boron (borax) has been reported for its beneficial effects on cellular stress, including the effects on cell survival, immunity, and tissue redox state. Incidentally both glycine and boron prevent apoptosis and promote cell survival under stress. Objective: This study investigates the beneficial effect of borax on liver protection by glycine. Methods: Briefly, liver toxicity was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (400 mg/kg b. wt.). Results: Significant changes in oxidative stress and liver function test parameters, the molybdenum Fe-S flavin hydroxylase activity, nitric oxide and tissue histopathology were observed in thioacetamide treated positive control group. The changes were ameliorated both by glycine as well as borax, but the combinatorial treatment yielded a better response indicating the impact of boron supplementation on glycine mediated protection of liver injury in experimental animal model. Conclusions: The study has clinical implications as the hepatotoxicity caused by thioacetamide mimics features of hepatitis C infection in human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-healing hydrogels often lack mechanical properties, limiting their wound-dressing applications. This study introduced S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) to self-healing hydrogel-based wound dressings. Self-healing hydrogel mechanical properties were improved via polymer blends. Applying this hydrogel to the wound site allows it to self-heal and reattach after mechanical damage. This work evaluated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based self-healing hydrogels with borax as a crosslinking agent and carboxymethyl chitosan as a mechanical property enhancer. Three formulations (F1, F4, and F7) developed self-healing hydrogels. These formulations had borax concentrations of 0.8%, 1.2%, and 1.6%. An FTIR study shows that borate ester crosslinking and hydrogen bonding between polymers generate a self-healing hydrogel. F4 has a highly uniform and regular pore structure, as shown by the scanning electron microscope image. F1 exhibited faster self-healing, taking 13.95 ± 1.45 min compared to other formulations. All preparations had pH values close to neutrality, making them suitable wound dressings. Formula F7 has a high drug content (97.34 ± 1.21%). Good mechanical qualities included high tensile stress–strain intensity and Young's modulus. After 28 h of storage at −20 °C, 5 °C, and 25 °C, the self-healing hydrogel's drug content dropped significantly. The Korsmeyer–Peppas release model showed that the release profile of GSNO followed Fickian diffusion. Thus, varying the concentration of crosslinking agent and adding a polymer affects self-healing hydrogels' physicochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, borax is one of the most important borate minerals, both industrially and from a technological viewpoint. Despite its importance, there have been only a few reports on the structural changes of borax upon heating. In this study, we have investigated the thermal behavior and structural characteristics of borax using thermal analysis, in situ high-temperature synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve showed a large endothermic peak at 349 K corresponding to the dehydration reaction of borax. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern remained almost unchanged up to 353 K. Above 363 K, the XRD peaks gradually became less intense until they disappeared at 403 K. The unit-cell volume continuously increased with increasing temperature and became constant just before its phase transition to tincalconite. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient between 113 and 323 K was 7.84 × 10–5 K–1. The a and c lattice parameters exhibited a slight increase trend with increasing temperature, whereas the b lattice parameter increased significantly. Therefore, the thermal expansibilities followed the order b/b0 >> c/c0 > a/a0. The increasing b lattice parameter was closely related to the elongation of the O4···H7B hydrogen-bond interaction along the b-axis. Na-O bond lengths were isotropically expanded with increasing temperature, whereas the B-O bond lengths and angles remained unchanged even after the phase transition to tincalconite. Molecular orbital calculations revealed that an electron cloud shared by two borate tetrahedra led to the formation of a large electron cloud distribution over the B4O5(OH)4 cluster. The intramolecular interactions with substantial covalent character made the cluster quite rigid. The existence of borate minerals containing the B4O5(OH)4 clusters in their structure evidenced the presence of moderately acidic or alkaline water, wherein the borate minerals grew via the incorporation of B4O5(OH)4 clusters. Our results indicate that the connection geometry of the fundamental building block consisting of Bφ3 triangles and Bφ4 tetrahedra (φ: O2–, OH–) can potentially be used as a palaeoenvironmental indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrients play a crucial role in enabling crops and vegetables to achieve optimum productivity, improve storage quality, and overcome physiological disorders. The present study focuses on evaluating the effects of the foliar application of Zinc, Borax, and their combined application in enhancing onion yield and shelf life of Allium cepa L. (cultivars Red coral and Liberty). An experimental study was conducted for two years at Agriculture Research Unit, DIHAR Leh (34.1383˚N, 77.5725˚E) to assess the impact of different doses of ZnSO4, Borax, and their combination on onion yield and shelf-life improvement. Four treatments of ZnSO4 and Borax (T1: 0.5% ZnSO4; T2: 0.25% Borax; T3: 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.25% Borax and T4: control) were applied twice, once at 30 DAT and again after 45 DAT. Among four treatments, T3 showed a significant impact on growth parameters, yield, and onion shelf-life followed by T1 and T2 compared to the control T4 treatment. Foliar sprays of ZnSO4 and Borax, rather than only ZnSO4 or Borax application, significantly improved plant height, leaves number, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, and onion yield. The storage examination revealed an important correlation between the concurrent application of ZnSO4 and Borax on onion, demonstrating a significant reduction in weight loss, an increase in Total Soluble Solids (T.S.S), and an extension of the onions' shelf life. These findings hold the potential for significant implications in elucidating the optimal utilization of micronutrients for improving onion cultivation and preservation practices in cold desert regions of Ladakh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative work focuses on a comparison between the roles of a lanthanide oxide CeO2 and a transition metal oxide Cu2O3 when introduced to sodium borate glass. Two glass samples have been prepared using the fast quenching method, where two types of glasses were obtained: (i) copper-free/cerium-rich sodium borate glass, and (ii) cerium-free/copper-rich sodium borate glass. XRD patterns indicated the amorphous nature of the prepared samples regardless of the dopant type, either CeO2 or Cu2O3. The optical characterization showed that the CeO2-doped and Cu2O3-doped samples have the same Urbach energy, resonance frequency, and damping factor. But differ in the values of the transmittance, reflectance, plasmon frequency, and the concentration of the free charge carriers. The acquired results may recommend CeO2-doped borate glasses as major components in the field of data transfer materials, such as those used in the manufacture of computer chips, whereas Cu2O3-doped borate glasses were proposed for applications involving) attenuation of the low energy light (UV–VIS–NIR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is the most widely cultivated pulse crop of Kerala. Deficiencies of micronutrients viz., Zn and B are a common problem in cowpea. Foliar nutrition is very effective to correct the micronutrient deficiencies in pulses but it is too laborious. Seed pelleting and priming are two simple cost-effective methods to overcome the micronutrient deficiencies. The present study aimed to study the effect of seed invigouration with zinc sulphate and borax and to evaluate its effect along with Trichoderma viride on nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of grain cowpea. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The experiment was conducted in RBD with 8 seed invigouration treatments and a control during Rabi 2018. Result: Seed invigouration treatments had significant effect on nutrient uptake and nutrient availability. Seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest NPK uptake by crop, the highest soil organic carbon content, available N and Zn status. Zinc uptake by crop and available soil K status were recorded the highest in seed primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4 h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed. Boron uptake by crop and available soil B and P status were recorded the highest in seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed. Hence it can be concluded that seed primed in ZnSO4 with 0.05 per cent for 4 h improved the Zn availability and uptake and seed pelleting with borax 100 mg kg-1 improved the B availability and uptake of grain cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) crosslinked using borax, which exhibits self‐healing and self‐repairing properties, is successfully developed. The crosslink formation of ENR by using borax under neutral and alkaline conditions is investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows that the borate–ester bond is formed in ENR prepared under both neutral and alkaline conditions, whereas boron nuclear magnetic resonance (11B‐NMR) results exhibit that the ENR prepared under alkaline conditions more actively forms crosslink networks with borax. Moreover, the crosslink density and gel content increase significantly with the presence of borax in alkaline conditions. The crosslink density and gel content of ENR with 10 phr borax are higher by 155% and 36%, respectively, than those of neat ENR. Furthermore, the formation of the crosslinking ENR by borax enhances self‐healing and self‐repairing properties. The healing efficiency significantly increases from 1.09% to 85.90%, when ENR is developed under alkaline conditions with 30 phr borax. These results represent the first successful demonstration of the efficient use of borax as a crosslinker in ENR, which exhibits its promising self‐healing and self‐repairing properties under atmospheric conditions without the need for external stimuli. The ENR prepared in this work holds great promise for various self‐healing rubber applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Self-healing hydrogels have promising applications in sensors and wearable devices. However, self-healing hydrogels prepared with water as the dispersion medium inevitably freeze at sub-zero temperature, resulting in a loss of the self-healing and sensing ability. The black phosphorene / ethylene glycol / polyvinyl alcohol / sodium tetraborate / sodium alginate (BP/EG-SPB) organogels were prepared by 3D printing technology and solvent displacement method. The organogel exhibits high stretchability (1900 % strain), excellent self-healing property (25 s) and outstanding anti-freezing property (lower than −120 °C freezing point). Furthermore, the organogel can rapidly self-healed (150 s) at a low temperature (−80 °C) without any external stimulation. Additionally, this organogel-based flexible sensor possesses excellent sensitivity (gauge factor: 28.66 at 1900 % strain) and fast response capability, allowing for effective detection of human motion. This work provides a novel method for preparing multifunctional organogel-based sensors for use in harsh climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea productivity is low as it is grown in low fertility soils under inadequate fertilizer applications that has led to emergence of several nutrient deficiencies. The lower yield of pigeonpea is not only due to its cultivation in sub marginal lands, but also due to poor management, flower dropping and subsoil compaction that leads to restricted water infiltration, there by bringing many chemical and biological changes which affect the plant growth. It is important to adopt appropriate tillage practices in combination with proper nutrient management practices that avoid degradation of soil structure, reduce flower drop, maintain crop yield as well as ecosystem stability. Methods: A two year field experiment was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 at S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh to study the effect of different tillage, nutrient management practices and foliar application of KNO3 and borax on yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)] in a split-split plot design, consisting of three tillage practices in main plots, three nutrient levels in sub plots and three foliar sprays in sub-sub plots on sandy loam soil which was low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and available potassium. Result: Our investigations concluded that among combinations higher number of pod bearing branches plant-1, number of pods branch-1, total number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, hundred seed weight and seed yield of pegonpea was recorded with vertical tillage with subsoiler upto 60 cm deep at 1 m interval coupled with application of 125% RDF and with foliar application of KNO3 1% twice with 15 days interval at 50 per cent flowering stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article applies nuclear magnetic resonance technology to the study of boron-containing traditional Chinese medicine, in order to explore the morphological evolution of boron elements in traditional Chinese medicine. Borax is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-corrosion, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticonvulsant effects. It is made by boiling, removing stones, and drying borax minerals like borate salts. This article introduces an 11B nuclear magnetic resonance method for identifying and characterizing boron-containing compounds in TCM. We applied this technology to borax aqueous solutions in different chemical environments and found that with boron mixed in the form of SP2 hybridization in equilateral triangles and SP3 hybridization in equilateral tetrahedra, the pH changes in alkaline environments significantly affected the ratio of the two. At the same time, it was found that in addition to the raw material peak, boron signals of other boron-containing compounds were also detected in 20 commercially available boron-containing TCM preparations. These new boron-containing compounds may be true pharmaceutical active ingredients, and adding them directly to the formula can improve quality and safety. This article describes the detection of 11B NMR in boron-containing traditional Chinese medicine preparations. It is simple, non-destructive, and can provide chemical fingerprint studies for boron-containing traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D optical storage, spatially expanding storage capacity, is regarded as an effective and economical way to break the diffraction limit of the conventional 2D optical storage. In this study, a new kind of 3D optical storage medium, i.e., vanadium ions (V5+) doped sodium borate glass, is developed, showing intriguing spatially‐selected photochromism (PC) upon laser driven excitation. Significantly, a brand‐new PC mechanism of V5+‐aggregation regulated by localized optical basicity (OB) of glass is proposed and demonstrated. The developed PC glass is responsive to a low‐price desktop‐level mini‐laser to encode optical information, yields unique twofold decoding modes in bright‐ and dark‐fields, and shows good data erasibility. 3D volumetric optical storage with a memory density of ≈480 Mbit cm−3 is realized with the aid of an advanced femtosecond laser micro‐machining system. The findings suggest a novel design approach to fabricate 3D PC glass in terms of manipulating the scale of optical basicity in glass, hopefully stimulating the development of new multi‐dimensional PC optical storage media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-industrial wastewaters from citrus packaging plants are a significant source of pollution. Looking for a solution, lab-scale biobeds were evaluated for the remediation of fungicides from citrus agro-industry wastewaters. They were constructed under controlled conditions, using an 'in-house' designed bio-mixture containing soil, peat and cereal bran (1:1:2). The degradation of imazalil, prochloraz, propiconazole and pyrimethanil was studied individually, as a mixture and in real wastewater from a citric packing house facility. The pesticide behaviour was assessed using a novel validated dispersive sample preparation. The extraction was performed with ethylacetate and a salting out step with sodium tetraborate. The clean-up was performed with MgSO4 and Al2O3. The instrumental determination was carried out by LC-MS/MS in MRM acquisition mode. When studied separately, all the pesticides were dissipated. Particularly, propiconazole showed a 90% concentration reduction after 60 days. Two metabolites of prochloraz of environmental concern: 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and N-formil-N'-propil-N'-2(2,4,6 trichlorophenoxy) ethyl urea were detected, and their chemical structures were confirmed through mass spectrometry experiments. The bio-mixture was also efficient in dissipating the four pesticides when applied together in a single biobed. Real wastewaters from a citric agro-industry containing pyrimethanil and imazalil were tested using the same conditions. Both compounds dissipated 50% and 79% respectively, within 70 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate highly efficient alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) emulsions to improve the hydrophobicity of cellulose paper. AKD emulsions stabilized by guar gel were obtained; the guar gel was prepared by hydrogen bond cross-linking sodium tetraborate and guar gum. The cross-linking was confirmed by combining FTIR and SEM. The effect of guar gel on the performance of the AKD emulsions was also studied by testing AKD emulsions stabilized by different guar gel concentrations. The results showed that with increasing guar gel concentration, the stability of the AKD emulsions improved, the droplet diameter decreased, and the hydrophobicity and water resistance of the sized packaging paper were gradually enhanced. Through SEM, the guar gel film covering the AKD emulsion droplet surface and the three-dimensional structure in the aqueous dispersion phase were assessed. This study constructed a scientific and efficient preparation method for AKD emulsions and provided a new method for the application of carbohydrate polymer gels which may avoid the adverse effect of surfactant on paper sizing and environmental problems caused by surfactant bioaccumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) and borax doped copolymer were synthesized by using atom transfer radical polymerization method. The uses of this copolymer were evaluated to spread it and to a wider area of use or to place it in specialized use in certain areas for the application fields of this copolymer. The results of the XPS analysis presented the bonds formed between C, O, B, and Cu and the types of bonds (single, double, or triple bond) based on the binding energies of the atoms. PMMA/Borax composite has presented that there was a relation between the chemical features of surface bonding and the modification of the dielectric properties with smaller values with the change of the borax amount. The behaviour of low reflection of broadband waves (500 MHz—50 GHz) interacting with the composite was influenced by several factors (including the modification of the composite's composition by borax at the optimum amount). The low reflection of broadband waves (500 MHz—50 GHz) was modified by the strengthened bonds as the result of the chemical development at the surface structure. The transmittance of the X-band microwave signal has been performed through the material for the use of the radome application. The passing of the signal to the other side of the material was provided by the maximum attenuation of 2.74 dB for use in the potential radome applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of B3+ and Pb2+ ions on the electrical and mechanical properties of a borate network was extensively studied. A 30B2O3–10ZnO–60Na2O core network was prepared using the commercial melt/quenching technique and inlaid by different concentrations of B2O3 + Pb3O4 at the expense of Na2O. The impact of Pb2+ and B3+ ions on the mechanical properties were studied through ultrasonic wave velocities, elastic moduli, and microhardness. The more bridging oxygens BO4 that brought to the considered borate network due to the more addition of B2O3 and conversion of BO3 to BO4 via Pb2+ ions penetration, formation of PbO6, and formation of the strong bonds B–O–Pb reinforced elastic moduli and microhardness of the studied borate network. Electrical properties through dielectric constant, electric modulus, impedance, and ac conductivity were extensively studied. The dielectric constant and electric modulus showed a behavior up to 20 mol % of Pb2+ and 35 mol % of B3+ differs from after that concentration, while ac conductivity differs at 40 mol % of Pb2+ and 50 mol % of B3+ from before that concentration. The results of the dependence of conductivity on frequency and temperature showed that the considered glass have a semiconducting nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low temperature carbothermic reduction of copper slag with charcoal in the presence of borax followed by leaching with H2SO4 was investigated in this study. The copper slag sample was characterized using the XRD. Thermogravimetry was used to study the thermal degradation processes of copper slag. The standard Gibbs free energy at each reaction temperature was calculated using the HSC Chemistry® software. In the reduction experiments, the effects of charcoal and borax, as well as the reduction temperature and time, were investigated in order to identify the mechanism of enhanced reduction. The degree of metal dissolution was investigated in the leaching experiments in relation to leaching time and acid concentration. According to the results of the mineralogical analysis, the primary phases in the copper slag were fayalite, and magnetite. The HSC Chemistry results on equilibrium phase composition show that the carbothermic reduction of magnetite at various temperatures proceeded stepwise as Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe. Meanwhile, fayalite was first catalyzed at low temperature of 300°C before being reduced to metallic phase at 545oC. Thermochemical calculations, phase characterization and experimental results demonstrate that using borax in carbothermic reduction can accelerate phase transformation, lower the temperature of fayalite reduction, and improve the extraction of Co, Cu, and Fe at 850°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper characterizes the efficacy of borax on different properties of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). Fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) were used as base substances at different ratios. The effects of borax on workability, compressive strength, efflorescence formation and crack resistance are the main ideas of the study. The results indicated the positive effects of borax on the properties of one-part fly ash/slag-based alkali-activated materials such as increasing workability and decreasing efflorescence. The microscopic images and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the addition of borax reduced the cracks and a higher amount of slag made the samples denser with less unreacted raw materials, respectively. The compressive strength test results showed that borax had a detrimental impact at early ages with a positive effect at later ages. Binders with borax and 20-25% replacement of FA with GGBS were found to have the best performance when workability, compressive strength, efflorescence formation, and cracks on the samples were taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borax, ulexite, and colemanite minerals are by far the most important economic source of boron and occur almost exclusively in nonmarine evaporite deposits. While much is known about the geological setting in which they are found, surprisingly little is known about the chemical and physical properties of the brines from which they are formed. Oxygen isotope studies have the potential to reveal important new information regarding borate formation, but unlike most other common oxygen-bearing salts precipitated from brines, there are no experimental data regarding the oxygen isotope fractionation factors between borates and brines. As a first attempt to address this gap in our understanding we have determined Δ18Oborate-water values between 0 and 100 °C using density functional theory calculations (DFT). These results predicted Δ18Oborate-water values of 12.87, 22.32, and 17.5‰ at 25 °C for borax, colemanite and ulexite, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Eu3+-doped barium sodium borate oxide and oxyfluoride glasses were fabricated by melt-quenching technique for investigated their physical, optical, photoluminescence and radiative properties. The emission spectra, observed under the 394 nm, show the emission band corresponding to the transitions of 5D0→7F1 (590 nm), 7F2 (613 nm), 7F3 (652 nm) and 7F4 (701 nm). The most intense emission band is the 5D0→7F2 transition at 613 nm. The emission light is shown the reddish-orange color according to the framework of CIE 1931 color space. The Judd-Ofelt analysis confirmed the potential for using the glass samples in this work for use as photonic applications. The results from the emission spectra and radiative properties show that the oxyfluoride glass sample has more lasing potential than the oxide glass sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, the earliest fossils of flamingos in North America referable to modern taxa were known from the late Miocene (Clarendonian and Hemphillian). The recovery of a distal tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus morphologically similar to the modern genera, Phoenicopterus and Phoenicoparrus, from early Miocene (Hemingfordian) deposits in Southern California greatly extends the chronological age for the appearance of modern flamingos. The fossils were recovered from sediments associated with borate (evaporite) deposits, thus suggesting that the earliest member of the modern flamingo lineage was associated with the same type of habitat used by its modern relatives. The best-known members of the Phoenicopteriformes in the Miocene, the extinct Palaelodidae, are only associated with fresh-water deposits so were ecologically quite distinct from the modern flamingos at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melt-quenching approach was implemented to create terbium-doped lithium sodium potassium borate glasses (LNKBTb). Archimedes' principle, absorption and luminescence spectra, including CIE chromaticity were used to characterize the properties of glasses. Terbium in glasses absorbs photon in the visible and near infrared ranges. The intense green emission at 544 nm was generated by the terbium 5D4 to 7F5 transition when excited with ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) light. The emission intensities of LNKBTb glasses increased with increasing terbium concentrations up to 4 mol%, after which they decreased, resulting in the concentration quenching effect, whereas decay time decreases as Tb2O3 content increases. In CIE 1931, the overall color of emission is green. May bring can continue to develop to use as a photonic material in green light sources and lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied a novel technique; dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) with in-situ Raman spectroscopy, as well as complementary techniques of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, to investigate the effect of sodium content on the immediate aqueous reactivity and reactions of a range of melt-quench-derived binary sodium borate glasses (SBGs): xNa 2 O-(100-x)B 2 O 3 (x = 18, 23, 30 and 35 mol%). DVS gravimetrically measured the effect of controlled relative humidity (RH) values on SBGs, while in-situ Raman monitored their structural changes in real time. It was found that the glass boron coordination, glass transition temperature, as well as weight change and percentage of crystallinity post exposure to vapour, along with threshold % RH to initiate sorption, and threshold time to initiate crystallization under 90% RH demonstrated the anomalous variation with increasing sodium content in glasses. Relative to other formulations, 30Na 2 O–70B 2 O 3 showed the lowest weight change and crystallinity after vapour desorption, and highest threshold % RH and longest threshold time. There was also a correlation between vapour- and water-induced reactions, as determined by reaction rates and structural changes. Specifically, lower glass network connectivity or non-bridging oxygen formation fostered their crystallization when exposed to either vapour or water, leading to higher weight change in aqueous environments. In sum, the results of this study validated the coupling of DVS with in-situ Raman spectroscopy in characterizing the reactivity and mechanisms of aqueous interactions of SBGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The categorization of odors utilizing gas sensor arrays with various meatball borax concentrations has been studied. The samples included meatballs with a borax content of 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.25% (%mm) and meatballs without any borax. Six TGS gas sensors with a baseline of 10 seconds, a detecting period of 120 seconds, and a purging period of 250 seconds make up the gas sensor array used in this work. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and principal component analysis (PCA), which are beneficial for feature extraction and classification, are used to handle the collected data based on machine learning approaches. Two models were produced by the data analysis: model 1, which only used the PCA approach, and model 2, which only used the ANN methodology. 90.33% is the total variance value of PC from model 1. In addition, the multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN-MLP) technique for model 2 yielded accuracy values of 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of the poly (methyl methacrylate) composite containing borax decahydrate microparticles at two different concentrations (such as 5 and 10 wt %) was significant to derive amphibious features (such as wettability and hydrophilicity) by using the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The composite has provided an optimum optical identification level as borax decahydrate (as the filler particle) was used to develop the optical modification in this lightweight composite. The optical development has provided a homogeneously spread of light at the surface and ideal identification conditions in the working area as the modified optical properties were solved through several material problems and developed to improve its amphibious movement in corrosive ambient. Optical identification (by using colour coordinates) has been generated with the development of the lighting homogeneity allowing the surface of the composite product to come to the fore as the result that the surface roughness increased slightly with the rise of the borax microparticle amount. The control of the borax addition has provided the modification of the amphibious design with the rise of wettability to develop multifunctional applications. The surface of this composite has reached sligitly a more hydrophilic feature with the modification of the surface morphology. The decrease of optical transmittance by borax addition in PMMA synthesis has been enhanced with the slight modification of the amphibious design of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core glass of B2O3–ZnO–Al2O3–Na2O–CoO was prepared to be used as a UV-indigo band-stop and blue–green bandpass filter. The impact of Bi3+ ions as ligands on the filter behavior was extensively studied through inlaid the core glass by 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol% of Bi2O3. The role of Bi3+ ions inside the proposed core glass structurally studied through density and Fourier Transformation Infrared spectroscopy. It was found that Bi3+ ions reduce the disorder in the glass network through the formation of bridging oxygens BOs and CoO4. A stable octahedral (oh) and tetrahedral geometry of Co2+ and octahedral (oh) of Co3+ were formed inside the considered glass network. The band gap results, 1.56–1.7 eV, signified that the considered glasses have a semiconducting nature. UV-indigo band-stop filter in the region of 190–440 nm with a cut-off wavelength at 440 nm and blue–green bandpass filter in the region of 440–585 nm with a center at 515 nm were observed in the transmitted spectrum of the core glass. Bi3+ ions gradually reduced the band-stop region and expanded the bandpass region through shifting the cut-off wavelength toward the shorter wavelengths. Based on the obtained results, the studied glass is considered an excellent candidate for UV-indigo band-stop and blue–green bandpass filter applications and the applications that require glasses of a semiconducting nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr) (Formicidae: Dolichoderini), has become one of the most invasive species in the world, causing economic and ecological imbalances due to its ability to dominate new environments. Although borated liquid baits are effective for its chemical control, as well as for other nectivorous ants, there are particularities in the response of each species. In feeding‐motivation controlled experiments, L. humile accepts boric acid more than borax (sodium borate); meanwhile, the opposite occurs with the carpenter ant, Camponotus mus (Roger) (Formicidae: Camponotini). To understand which aspects of the borax bait negatively affect its palatability for the Argentine ants, we analysed the individual feeding behaviour on sugar baits considering the number of boron‐equivalents offered, the sodium concentration and the alkaline pH and then compared their response to that of C. mus. We found that L. humile rejected borax baits more than the mixture of boric acid and sodium borate. However, they accepted the boric acid bait similar to the plain sugar solution (control). The addition of sodium (NaCl) to sugar solutions shortened feeding time in this species, but not in the carpenter ant. Finally, alkalinizing the bait with L‐arginine or potassium hydroxide (KOH) generated shorter intake times in L. humile, but not in C. mus. Our results showed that both the presence of sodium and a basic pH may discourage ingestion in the Argentine ant and also evidence the different responses towards the baits that can occur among ant species that share similar feeding habits. Understanding particular responses of the target Argentine ant is a key tool for more specific and efficient pest control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel methodology is presented to determine thermal properties of polydisperse nanocrystals and/or nanodroplets embedded in a homogeneous matrix using small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). It is based solely on SAXS measurements at multiple temperatures and multiple moduli of the scattering vector. The proposed methodology can quantify the linear coefficients of thermal expansion of confined spherical nanocrystals and/or nanodroplets and the radius dependence of the melting temperature of confined spherical nanocrystals, even in samples with a broad size distribution. It is described through its application on a nanocomposite consisting of Bi nanocrystals/nanodroplets embedded in a sodium borate glass matrix. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion of Bi nanocrystals in the glass was ca 50% higher than that of bulk crystalline Bi, and the coefficient of liquid Bi nanodroplets was 25% smaller than that of bulk liquid Bi. The melting temperature of the spherical Bi nanocrystals decreased by ca 130 K when particle radii decreased from 82 to 23 Å. Even though SAXS measurements are generally expected to provide low‐resolution structural parameters, this demonstrates that this technique allows for the characterization of rather weak temperature‐dependent variations of size parameters during in situ heating processes and across melting transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the synthesis of nickel borides in different molten-salt systems (eutectic NaCl/KCl and borax) at elevated temperatures. The differences in the thermodynamic stability of different nickel borides and the formation of NiB in an eutectic halite-sylvine mixture at T = 950 °C with different nickel-containing starting materials (NiO, Ni) has been elucidated. The results are compared to theoretical data calculated by the Calphad method. The results of the analysis shows that NiB2, if it exists, may only form a metastable phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron sources and doses can positively increase fruit quality and tomato yield. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of boron doses and sources on the development and yield of industrial tomatoes under irrigation. A randomized block design with four replications in a 3x4x2 factorial scheme was used. Three boron sources, boric acid, borax, and ulexite; four boron doses (0, 1, 2, and 3 kg/ha); and two locations, Goianésia, GO (AE I) and Vila Propício, GO (AE II) were evaluated. Stem diameter (SD), plant height (PH), the total number of fruits (TNF), the number of ripe fruits (NRF), the number of green fruits per plant (NGF), the number of lateral branches per plant (NLB), longitudinal fruit diameter (LFD), transversal fruit diameter (TFD), yield (YLD), total soluble solids content (°BRIX), pH, and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the evaluated boron sources, while boron doses statistically influenced the increase in the TNF, NRF, °BRIX, and YLD. The dose of 1.23 kg ha-1 provided the highest values of °BRIX (4.75%). The dose of 1.89 kg/ha provided the highest yield (119001.5 kg/ha), regardless of sources and locations. Boron sources did not significantly affect tomato crops, so both can be used for the study conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the effect of borax on the thermal stability and thermal kinetic behavior of ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) rubber composites. Using a laboratory two-roll mill at room temperature, carbon-black (N-220) as filler, and other additives such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, and paraffin oil were incorporated into the EPDM rubber matrix. The composite was prepared at different borax concentrations (25 and 50 phr). Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to characterize borax's effect onthermal stability before and after borax addition. Added borax to the host composite rubber (EPDM composite without borax) significantly improved the composite's thermal stability. Borax-loaded composites behave differently at various temperatures. To investigate the kineticthermal analysis of the prepared samples, three different models were applied. The activation energy (Ea) and frequency factors (A) for the Horowitz-Metzger, Broido and Coats-Redfern models were calculated. These models were compared and discussed based on their results. First-order decomposition also represented the main decomposition stage. Kraus and Cunnen-Russel models were used to test the interaction between rubber and borax based on previously published swelling results. No interaction was found between rubber and borax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work barium sodium borate glass samples with the nominal compositions 55B2O3 +(25-x)BaF2 + 20Na2O + xCo3O4 where x = 0, 0.5, 1, 0.75, 1.5, and 2 mol % were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. The structural, thermal, optical and magnetic characteristics of Co doped barium sodium borate glasses have been considered. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been recorded in the range of 4000–400 cm− 1 to estimate the vibrational and dynamics of cobalt doped barium sodium borate glass samples. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to perform the glass transition investigations. The values of Tg and TC significantly improved with increasing cobalt oxide concentration, according to (DTA) thermal analysis.UV–Vis spectra of the prepared glass samples were detected over the range of 200–2500 nm. The optical absorption spectra were used to estimate optical energy band gaps of the prepared glasses. It was observed that the direct and indirect optical band gaps were decreased with increasing Co3O4 content. The magnetization hysteresis loops for prepared glass system has been estimated. The coercivity of the glass samples for all Co3O4 content is small and the magnetization saturation increased from 0.2 to 0.58 esu/g as the concentration of Co3O4 varied from 0.0 to 2.0 mol%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a moldable, the injectable and self-healing poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) hydrogel was synthesized, cross-linked with borax (B), to produce a new type of water-retaining material in soil. This material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray diffraction, nanoindenter and scanning electron microscopy, and its structure was elucidated. According to the gravimetrically determined swelling results, while the PVA/B hydrogel swells by 271%, the swelling ratio increases as the CMC percentage increases in PVA/B/CMC hydrogels. The water absorption capacity of loamy soil was investigated by mixing it with hydrogel soil and PVA/B/CMC was evaluated as a water retention agent. Addition of 1.0% by weight hydrogel increased the water holding capacity of loamy soil from 48.8 to 58.8%. It was observed that the soil containing the PVA/B/CMC-2.5 hydrogel showed very good water retention. At the end of 7 days, it was observed that it lost only 51% of its water. This environmentally friendly and easily synthesized hydrogel is thought to have great application potential in agriculture for soil water conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using lead slag and lead-zinc tailings to prepare high-value glass-ceramic can realize the comprehensive utilization of solid waste and reduce the environmental pollution caused by lead slag landfill. Firstly, lead-zinc tailings and borax are used to melt and temper lead slag to improve its sintering performance. At 1450 °C, the lead slag melted and tempered by adding 40% lead-zinc tailings and 4% borax has good fluidity in the molten state. In water quenching, crystallization is not easy, and the water quenching slag has good sintering performance. Then, the water-quenched slag obtained by melting and tempering lead slag with lead-zinc tailings and borax was ball-milled and mixed with 10% albite feldspar and sintered at 1050 °C for 90 min to prepare glass ceramics. The prepared glass-ceramics have excellent performance parameters such as bulk density of 2.79 g/cm3, water absorption of 0.05%, the flexural strength of 102.18 MPa, acid resistance of 0.15%, and alkali resistance of 0.032%. Simultaneously, the glass ceramics exhibited excellent resistance to the leaching of heavy metals where the leaching concentrations of Pb, Zn, As, and Cd were 0.125, 1.268, 0.324, and 0.029 mg/L, respectively. This research can provide a new idea for comprehensively utilizing solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlight the effect of the replacement of a transition-metal oxide Fe2O3 with a transition-metal halide FeCl3 on the structural and electrical properties of the iron–sodium borate devitrified glass. The preparation process was performed based on the fast quenching principle. The XRD patterns showed that the FeCl3-free and FeCl3/Fe2O3 samples are devitrified glasses, while the Fe2O3-free sample is a pure glass. The ESR spectral analysis showed an increase in Fe3+ at the expense of Fe2+, while the TEM and SEM images showed some crystallites suspended and distributed randomly within the amorphous glass network matrices of all samples except for that of the Fe2O3-free sample. The FTIR analysis showed an increase in BO4:BO3 ratio, as well as the presence of the structural groups (FeO4 and FeO6), where the concentration of FeO6 increased at the expense of FeO4. The V–I characteristics for the studied samples are similar to those of the P–N junction, in which the forward voltage shifted to a lower value when Fe2O3 was replaced with FeCl3. The electric measurements showed a decrease in the DC conductivity values, while that of time-dependence of temperature varying, at a constant electric power, showed that the self-heating of the studied samples decreased when Fe2O3 was replaced with FeCl3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gels are a popular cleaning method for paper conservators and a lot of research has been done concerning gel cleaning of paper objects over the last 15 years. Despite the close interconnection between the conservation fields of paper and photographic material, research on using gels for cleaning photographs is very scarce. However, gels can provide an excellent cleaning method for photographic material. Cleaning silver gelatine prints with aqueous solvents is very complex due to the hydrophilic properties and fragility of the gelatine layer which makes mechanical cleaning difficult. The properties of gels ensure better control over the flow and evaporation of the solvent, facilitating the cleaning process. This study is the first insight into the viability of using gellan gum gel and polyvinyl acetate-borax (PVAc-borax) gel to clean contaminants from the surface of silver gelatine photographs. It is based on self-made samples that were artificially aged and contaminated with soot. Water, ethanol (EtOH), and Kodak Photo-flo were studied as solvents to remove the soot from the silver gelatine-based prints. These solvents were loaded into the aforementioned gels and applied to the samples in two different methods. These gel cleaning methods were subsequently compared with traditional cleaning methods. In addition, the usage of cyclomethicone D4 as a protective mask for the gelatine layer was studied. Measuring methods used to evaluate the cleaning were visual comparison, microscopic observation, and densitometry. ATR-FTIR measurements were also conducted to investigate potential side-effects of the cleaning methods on the prints, such as unwanted chemical transformations or the presence of gel residues after the treatments. Most of the gel cleaning methods within this study proved to be inadequate, with the exception of the gellan gum gel loaded with 30% EtOH. It was used as a granulated gel applied mechanically on a print saturated with cyclomethicone (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4). Cyclomethicone proved to be a very effective protective barrier for the water-sensitive gelatine layer with minimal reduction in cleaning effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermal stability and the decomposition kinetics of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) composite samples loaded with and without lead powder (50, 100, and 200 phr lead) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA was carried out at different heating rates (5, 10, 20, and 30 °C/min) under inert conditions in the temperature range of 50–650 °C. Lead addition did not significantly change the onset temperature or peak position corresponding to the maximum decomposition rate of the first derivative of the TGA curve (DTGA) (onset at about 455 °C and Tm at about 475 °C). Peak separation for the DTGA curves indicated that the main decomposition region for EPDM, the host rubber, overlapped the main decomposition region for volatile components. The decomposition activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponent factor (A) were estimated using the Friedman (FM), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) iso-conversional methods. Average activation energy values of around 231, 230, and 223 kJ/mol were obtained for the EPDM host composite using the FM, FWO, and KAS methods, respectively. For a sample loaded with 100 phr lead, the average activation energy values obtained via the same three methods were 150, 159, and 155 kJ/mole, respectively. The results obtained from the three methods were compared with results obtained using the Kissinger and Augis–Bennett/Boswell methods, and strong convergence was found among the results of the five methods. A significant change in the entropy of the sample was detected with the addition of lead powder. For the KAS method, the change in entropy, ΔS, was −3.7 for EPDM host rubber and −90 for a sample loaded with 100 phr lead, α = 0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The setting time of alkali-activated slag (AAS) binders is extremely short, while traditional retarders of Portland cement may be invalid for AAS. To find an effective retarder with a less negative impact on strength, borax (B), sucrose (S), and citric acid (CA) were selected as potential retarders. The setting time of AAS with different admixtures dosages of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, and the unconfined compressive strength and beam flexural strength of 3 d, 7 d, and 28 d AAS mortar specimens were tested. The microstructure of AAS with different additives was observed by scanning using an electron microscope (SEM), and the hydration products were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (DT-TGA) to explain the retarding mechanism of AAS with different additives. The results showed that the incorporation of borax and citric acid could effectively prolong the setting time of AAS more than that of sucrose, and the retarding effect is more and more obvious with the increase in borax and citric acid dosages. However, sucrose and citric acid negatively influence AAS's unconfined compressive strength and flexural stress. The negative effect becomes more evident with the increase in sucrose and citric acid dosages. Borax is the most suitable retarder for AAS among the three selected additives. SEM-EDS analysis showed that the incorporation of borax does three things: produces gels, covers the surface of the slag, and slows down the hydration reaction rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryogel formation is an effective approach to produce porous scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this study, cryogelation was performed to produce boron-containing scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. A combination of the synthetic polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and the natural polymers, chitosan and starch, was used to formulate the cryogels. Boron was used with a dual purpose: as an additive to alter gelation properties, and to exploit its bioactive effect since boron has been found to be involved in several metabolic pathways, including the promotion of bone growth. This project designs a fabrication protocol enabling the competition of both physical and chemical cross-linking reactions in the cryogels using different molecular weight PVA and borax content (boron source). Using a high ratio of high-molecular-weight PVA resulted in the cryogels exhibiting greater mechanical properties, a lower degradation rate (0.6–1.7% vs. 18–20%) and a higher borax content release (4.98 vs. 1.85, 1.08 nanomole) in contrast to their counterparts with low-molecular-weight PVA. The bioactive impacts of the released borax on cellular behaviour were investigated using MG63 cells seeded into the cryogel scaffolds. It was revealed that the borax-containing scaffolds and their extracts induced MG63 cell migration and the formation of nodule-like aggregates, whilst cryogel scaffolds without borax did not. Moreover, the degradation products of the scaffolds were analysed through the quantification of boron release by the curcumin assay. The impact on cellular response in a scratch assay confirmed that borax released by the scaffold into media (~0.4 mg/mL) induced bone cell migration, proliferation and aggregation. This study demonstrated that boron-containing three-dimensional PVA/starch–chitosan scaffolds can potentially be used within bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western Balkan lithium-boron metallogenic zone can be traced for 1500 km, extending subparallel to the Sava-Vardar and Western Vardar zones toward its Turkish counterpart, the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan zone. Common features are: (1) lithium-boron mineralization is hosted in Lower-Middle Miocene extensional lacustrine basins; (2) lacustrine series consisting of fine-grained siliciclastic sediments and scarce evaporites with intercalations of volcaniclastics, tuff, or travertine indicating syndepositional volcanic activity; (3) lacustrine basins that are usually normal-fault-controlled extensional grabens, with the fault system probably acting as a major fluid pathway; (4) northernmost sodium borate/borosilicate deposits (Jadar, Valjevo, Rekovac; with jadarite, borax, probertite, searlesite) gradually transition to calcium borate deposits southward (Jarandol-Piskanja, Pobrđe; with colemanite ± ulexite); (5) Oligocene/Miocene granitic rocks from the westernmost part of the zone host pegmatite and greisen occurrences with surface lithium anomalies of 0.02–0.08 wt% Li2O extending for several km2; (6) igneous Li enrichment by fractionation processes is indicated for some younger (?Early/mid-Miocene) peraluminous granite plutons; (7) the formation of the lacustrine basins and associated Li-B mineralization was contemporaneous with the emplacement of the younger phase of Li-bearing granitic intrusions and exhumation of metamorphic core complexes which provided the large-scale heat flow for hydrothermal systems and syngenetic Li-B mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impregnation of a 3% solution of a mixture of medicinal aromatic plant extract, borax, and ferula plant extract on wood of eastern spruce (Picea orientalis L. (Link)) and mahogany were carried out and the changes in the anatomical structure of the impregnated wood were determined. Through obtaining extracts of various medicinal aromatic plants (ferula) and dual treatment with borax, the anatomical properties of wood material were examined and the related adhesion scale was determined. The highest retention (retention) was in mahogany wood borax (1.86%), and the lowest retention was again in mahogany wood ferula extract (0.31%). Both wood types demonstrated improved outcomes in comparison to the control sample when the air-dry and fully-dry specific gravity changes were investigated. The maximum air-dried specific gravity value was found in mahogany at 3% borax and ferula + borax (0.56 g/cm3), and the lowest at 3% ferula and borax (0.37 g/cm3). Mahogany wood with 3% borax had the greatest full dry specific gravity value (0.54 g/cm3), and spruce wood with 3% ferula and ferula + borax had the lowest (0.35 g/cm3). There was no retention in the tracheid and trachea cells that perform the transmission function. Because the sapphire cells are the cells that act as storage, adhesion has occurred in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]