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An electronic tongue was developed for the detection of lactose content in commercial foods. This was accomplished by employing optimized detection units comprised of gelatin films and information visualization methods for data analysis. The films incorporating gelatin, tannic acid, and zein, served as the basis for the sensors, whose electrodes were screen printed using carbon black ink. Self-supporting films were produced using various combinations of these materials, some of which had limited solubility in water (from 33% to 36%). They were hydrophobic and yielded reproducible electrical impedance spectra to be used as sensing units. Lactose detection experiments were conducted using various standard concentrations and commercial food samples. Capacitance decreased with lactose concentration at low frequencies, with films lacking a hydrophobic coating showing higher capacitance signals (exceeding 200 nF). Low limits of detection were obtained for the most sensitive films, as low as 2.03 × 10−19 mol/L, comparable to existing biosensors to detect lactose. Combining data from four sensing units in an electronic tongue allowed for the differentiation of lactose concentrations ranging from 1 × 10−20 mol/L to 1 × 10−6 mol/L using the interactive document mapping (IDMAP) projection technique, leading to a silhouette coefficient of 0.716. The discriminatory power of the electronic tongue was validated by distinguishing between lactose-containing and lactose-free food products. These findings highlight the potential of electronic tongues made with sustainable materials for applications in food quality assessment and lactose intolerance management.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an essential analyte for detecting neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory processes and plays a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, the food industry, and environmental monitoring. However, conventional H2O2 detection methods have drawbacks such as lengthy analysis times, high costs, and bulky equipment. Non-enzymatic sensors have emerged as promising alternatives to overcome these limitations. In this research, we introduce a simple, portable, and cost-effective non-enzymatic sensor that uses carbon black (CB) and silver nanoparticle-modified δ-FeOOH (Ag/δ-FeOOH) integrated into a disposable electrochemical cell (DCell). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed successful CB and Ag/δ-FeOOH immobilization on the DCell working electrode. Electrochemical investigations revealed that the DCell-CB//Ag/δ-FeOOH sensor exhibited an approximately twofold higher apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant than the DCell-Ag/δ-FeOOH sensor, capitalizing on CB’s advantages. Moreover, the sensor displayed an excellent electrochemical response for H2O2 reduction, boasting a low detection limit of 22 µM and a high analytical sensitivity of 214 μA mM−1 cm−2. Notably, the DCell-CB//Ag/δ-FeOOH sensor exhibited outstanding selectivity for H2O2 detection, even in potential interferents such as dopamine, uric acid, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the sensor has the right qualities for monitoring H2O2 in complex biological samples, as evidenced by H2O2 recoveries ranging from 92% to 103% in 10% fetal bovine serum. These findings underscore the considerable potential of the DCell-CB//Ag/δ-FeOOH sensor for precise and reliable H2O2 monitoring in various biomedical and environmental applications.

The wide application of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture as inoculants to combat pests and diseases and/or to improve soil fertility and the nutrients availability for plants has been considered as an effective and more sustainable alternative than chemical fertilizers and agricultural defensives. However, it is necessary to examine all processing steps of these bio-based products under a more integrated view including the type of microorganisms and the whole production process in order to reduce dependence on synthetic chemical inputs. Here, recent developments on the production and formulation technologies of microbial inoculants and the main types of inoculants currently applied in agriculture are addressed. The different types of microbial formulations are compared with emphasis on the encapsulation technology. Moreover, the application of biofertilizers in seed coating and a new approach to apply biocomposites as fertilizers are discussed, presenting the main challenges and future perspectives to promote more sustainable agriculture practices.

A detailed structural investigation of a promising bio-based polymer, polyglycerol citrate polyester, obtained by the bulk polycondensation of glycerol (Gly) against citric acid (Cit) under mild reaction was performed. The reaction in conditions with and without catalyst use (sulfuric acid, H2SO4) was investigated, showing evidence that it is possible to modify the polymer solubility according to the ratio and catalyst utilization. 13C and 1H NMR indicated that synthesis catalyzed with Cit excess leads to higher esterification degrees of citrate groups. In contrast, the Gly moieties are more prominent in catalyzed polymers regardless of the excess monomers. Overall, a successful conversion of Gly and Cit into polyesters was attained even without catalysis, enabling a simple route for the large-scale production of this green material to be used as a coating material. This polymer has been shown to be well-suited for coating seeds and might be a promising material for similar agricultural applications. Tests on soybean seed coating with a PGCit solution of 75% indicated that the seed quality and germination rate were not affected by the PGCit coating, concluding that this polymer is suitable for this application.

Abstract Bone defects stand out as one of the greatest challenges of reconstructive surgery. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) allows for the printing of 3D scaffolds tailored to the morphology and size of bone damage in a patient-specific and high-precision manner. However, FDM still suffers from the lack of materials capable of efficiently supporting osteogenesis. In this study, we developed 3D-printed porous scaffolds composed of polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composites with high ceramic contents (above 20%, w/w) by FDM. The mechanical properties of the PLA/HA scaffolds were compatible with those of trabecular bone. In vitro degradation tests revealed that HA can neutralize the acidification effect caused by PLA degradation, while simultaneously releasing calcium and phosphate ions. Importantly, 3D-printed PLA/HA did not induce the upregulation of activation markers nor the expression of inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells thus exhibiting no immune-stimulatory properties in vitro. Evaluations using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) showed that pure PLA scaffolds exerted an osteoconductive effect, whereas PLA/HA scaffolds efficiently induced osteogenic differentiation of MSC even in the absence of any classical osteogenic stimuli. Our findings indicate that 3D-printed PLA scaffolds loaded with high concentrations of HA are most suitable for future applications in bone tissue engineering.

We introduce a bifunctional architecture to construct biosensors on solution-blow spinning fiber mats of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). PLA/PEG mats acted as substrate for printing electrodes and as matrix to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx). Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PB) decorated working electrodes to detect H2O2 from enzymatic catalysis at a low applied potential (0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) with detection limit of 0.197 mM. The inexpensive bifunctional device (

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) employed in industrial processes that causes adverse effects on the environment and human health. Sensitive and inexpensive methods to detect BPA are therefore needed. In this paper, we describe an electrochemical biosensor for detecting low levels of BPA using polymeric electrospun nanofibers of polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), namely, PA6/PAH@AuNPs, which were deposited onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The hybrid layer was excellent for the immobilization of tyrosinase (Tyr), which allowed an amperometric detection of BPA with a limit of detection of 0.011 μM in the concentration range from 0.05 to 20 μM. Detection was also possible in real water samples with recoveries in the range of 92–105%. The improved sensing performance is attributed to the combined effect of the large surface area and porosity of PA6/PAH nanofibers, the catalytic activity of AuNPs, and oxidoreductase ability of Tyr. These results provide a route for novel biosensing architectures to monitor BPA and other EDCs in water resources.

We report a paper-based electrochemical immunosensor made with sustainable materials to detect aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic, carcinogenic mycotoxin found in food. The immunosensor was prepared with a waterproof paper substrate and low-cost graphite-based conductive ink through a simple cut-printing method. The working electrode was functionalized with a drop-cast film of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/chitosan on which a layer of anti-AFB1 monoclonal antibodies was immobilized covalently. The architecture of the immunosensor was confirmed with polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), including the effective immobilization of the active layer of anti-AFB1. With EIS as the principle of detection, the immunosensor could detect AFB1 in the range from 1 to 30 ng·mL−1, and detection limit of 0.62 ng·mL−1. This sensitivity is sufficient to detect AFB1 in food according to regulatory agencies. The immunosensor exhibited good repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity in experiments with a possible interferent. Furthermore, detection of AFB1 in maize flour samples yielded recovery of 97–99%, in a demonstration of the possible use of the paper-based immunosensor to detect AFB1 using extraction solutions from food samples.

Colorimetric sensors developed by the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique have a rapid response to a variation in different physicochemical properties. In this study, polystyrene nanofibrous (PSNF) mats containing the bromothymol blue (BTB) indicator were obtained by SBS for the pH sensing of wine sample. The incorporation of the indicator did not promote changes in fiber diameter but led to the appearance of beads, allowing for the encapsulation of BTB. The halochromic property of BTB was retained in the PSNF material, and the migration tests showed that the indicator mats presented values below the maximum acceptable limit (10 mg dm−2) established by EU Commission Regulation No. 10/2011 for foods with an alcohol content up to 20%. The present study opens the possibility of applying nanostructured materials to innovative food packaging which, through nanosensory zones, change color as a function of the food pH.

Nanocomposite materials have been incorporated into biopolymers, (e.g. hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), to improve their physical and chemical properties and enable them to be applied in food packaging, especially for their biodegradable and renewable properties. With this addition, fruit puree has been incorporated into the films to confer nutritional properties besides color and flavor. Chitosan is of interest in the packaging field since it is a biodegradable, bioabsorbable, antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, chitosan nanoparticles have been widely explored for their interesting properties and potential applications in food packaging. This work was divided into two stages: (1) chitosan nanoparticle synthesis; (2) addition of nanoparticles into HPMC and papaya puree films. Addition of chitosan nanoparticles to HPMC and papaya puree films improved film properties: mechanical, thermal and water vapor barrier. We have developed a novel nanomaterial with great potential for application in packaging to prolong the shelf life of food.

A borracha natural (BN) de três clones de seringueira [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. exAdr. de Juss. Muell.-Arg.)] de um período de sete meses foi obtida por coagulação do látex com solução de ácido acético a 10% e seca a 65°C. As curvas TG-DTG foram utilizadas para monitorar as propriedades térmicas da BN. Os resultados indicaram pequenas variações entre clones e coletas, exceto no valor de Tf-T0, indicando que o clone IAC 301 sofre degradação mais rápida durante o processo termo degradação da BN seca. Não houve diferenças significativas nos valores de Tg entre clones e coletas.

Neste trabalho foi reportada a caracterização de hidrogéis constituídos por metilcelulose (MC) e poliacrilamida (PAAm) preparados pelo processo de reticulação cruzada. As propriedades espectroscópicas e morfológicas foram investigadas por espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, respectivamente. O efeito da carga iônica, presença de sais, concentrações de monômero AAm e polissacarídeo MC na absorção de água e nas propriedades cinéticas dos hidrogéis foi detalhadamente investigado. Os resultados indicaram que o decréscimo da concentração de MC ou aumento da concentração de AAm, carga iônica do contra-íon do sal de cloreto e a presença de fertilizante no meio externo de intumescimento provocaram diminuição significativa na absorção de água dos hidrogéis. O mecanismo de absorção de água dos hidrogéis de PAAm-MC em água seguiu o modelo de difusão Fickiana; já o mecanismo dos hidrogéis intumescidos em sais (cloreto ou fertilizante) seguiu o modelo de transporte anômalo. Pela alta e rápida absorção de água, as matrizes porosas e tridimensionais compostas por PAAm e MC podem em potencial ser aplicadas na agricultura como veículos carreadores.This work reported the characterization of hydrogels constituted by methylcellulose (MC) entrapped in polyacrylamide (PAAm) network prepared by cross-linking polymerization (gelling process). Spectroscopic and morphologic properties were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Effects of AAm, MC contents, ionic charge of salt counter-ions (NaCl, KCl, NH4Cl, CaCl2, MnCl2, MgCl2, and AlCl3), and fertilizers [(NH4)2SO4 and KH2PO4] on kinetic and hydrophilic (swelling degree) properties were investigated in detail. By decreasing the MC content or by increasing acrylamide content, there was a pronounced decrease in water uptake by the hydrogels. The increase in counter-ion X-Cl salt and the presence of fertilizer on the external swelling medium also provoked a decrease in water uptake. The water uptake mechanism of PAAm-MC hydrogels swollen in water followed the Fickian diffusion, while the mechanisms of hydrogels swollen in salt or fertilizer aqueous media followed the anomalous transport process. With their fast and high water absorption, the porous, three-dimensional matrices containing PAAm and MC are promising for agriculture as carrier vehicles.

A técnica de eletrofiação é conhecida desde a década de 1930, porém, somente com o advento das novas aplicações da nanotecnologia esta importante técnica foi re-descoberta. As potencialidades de nanofibras, de tamanhos da ordem de 50 a 500 nm e com extensão micrométrica, têm sido investigadas para diferentes materiais, com resultados promissores em diferentes aplicações. Nesta primeira parte, este trabalho de revisão propôs-se a detalhar as bases fundamentais do processo de eletrofiação. São descritas as influências das variáveis de processo, como campo aplicado, distância de trabalho, velocidade de rotação do coletor e de injeção da solução. Variáveis associadas ao sistema, como tipo de solvente e polímero de interesse, também são discutidas.The electrospinning technique has been known since the 1930s, but only with the advent of new nanotechnology applications this technique was re-discovered and became important for production of nanomaterials. The potential for obtaining different nanofibers with sizes ranging from 50 to 500 nm and micrometer length has been investigated for different materials, with promising results in different applications. The first part of this review is aimed at describing the fundamentals of the electrospinning process. We describe the influence of process variables such as applied field, working distance, speed of rotation of the collector and solution injecting flow rate. The variables associated to this system, such as type of solvent and polymer of interest, are also discussed.

Neste trabalho, os efeitos de diferentes condições de tempo e temperatura usados para a preparação de whiskers de sisal foram investigados com o objetivo de se determinar a influência destes parâmetros experimentais na morfologia, cristalinidade e estabilidade térmica dos materiais preparados. A obtenção dos whiskers deu-se após o pré-branqueamento da fibra de sisal com solução alcalina de peróxido de hidrogênio. A fibra branqueada foi submetida ao processo de hidrólise com solução de ácido sulfúrico 60% (m/m) sob três diferentes condições de temperatura e tempos de extração: 45 °C e 60 minutos (WS45_60); 45 °C e 75 minutos (WS45_75) e 60 °C e 30 minutos (WS60_30). Os whiskers foram caracterizados quanto à morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET), quanto à cristalinidade (DRX), carga superficial (potencial zeta) , teor de enxofre (análise elementar) e quanto à estabilidade térmica por termogravimetria (TGA). Os resultados mostraram que os whiskers de sisal apresentaram comprimento e diâmetro médios e 210 nm e 5 nm respectivamente. Devido à alta aglomeração dos whiskers, diferenças relativas às características dimensionais não puderam ser determinadas. Os resultados obtidos revelaram uma forte dependência da cristalinidade final dos whiskers com a temperatura e tempo de extração. O uso de temperatura mais alta (60 °C) associado a um menor tempo de extração (30 minutos) resulta em whiskers com boa estabilidade térmica (235 °C), maior cristalinidade e sem o comprometimento da estrutura cristalina da celulose.In this work, the effects of different conditions of time and temperature, used for the preparation of whiskers from sisal, were investigated to determine the influence of experimental parameters on morphology, crystallinity and thermal stability of materials prepared. The whiskers were obtained after the bleaching of sisal raw fiber with a solution of hydrogen peroxide alkaline. The bleached fiber was submitted to the process of hydrolysis with sulphuric acid solution 60 wt. (%) under three different conditions of temperature and time of extraction: 45 °C and 60 minutes (WS45_60); 45 °C and 75 minutes (WS45_75) and 60 °C and 30 minutes (WS60_30). The whiskers were characterized as the morphology by transmission electron microscopy (MET), crystallinity (DRX), surface charge (zeta potential), sulfur content (by elemental analysis) and thermal stability by thermogravimetry (TGA). The sisal whiskers presented an average length and diameter of 210 nm and 5 nm, respectively. Due to the high agglomeration state of whiskers, differences on dimensional features could not be determined. The results showed a strong dependence on crystallinity of whiskers with temperature and time of extraction. Hydrolysis in higher temperature (60 °C) and lower extraction time (30 minutes) resulted in whiskers with good thermal stability (235 °C), higher crystallinity and preserving the crystalline structure of cellulose.

Ammonia (NH3) gas is a prominent air pollutant that is frequently found in industrial and livestock production environments. Due to the importance in controlling pollution and protecting public health, the development of new platforms for sensing NH3 at room temperature has attracted great attention. In this study, a sensitive NH3 gas device with enhanced selectivity is developed based on zinc oxide nanofibers (ZnO NFs) decorated with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and operated at room temperature. ZnO NFs were prepared by electrospinning followed by calcination at 500 °C for 3 h. The electrospun ZnO NFs are characterized to evaluate the properties of the as-prepared sensing materials. The loading of PSS to prepare ZnO NFs/PSS composite is also optimized based on the best sensing performance. Under the optimal composition, ZnO NFs/PSS displays rapid, reversible, and sensitive response upon NH3 exposure at room temperature. The device shows a dynamic linear range up to 100 ppm and a limit of detection of 3.22 ppm and enhanced selectivity toward NH3 in synthetic air, against NO2 and CO, compared to pure ZnO NFs. Additionally, a sensing mechanism is proposed to illustrate the sensing performance using ZnO NFs/PSS composite. Therefore, this study provides a simple methodology to design a sensitive platform for NH3 monitoring at room temperature.

As propriedades de termo estabilidade das nanofibras de celulose estão relacionadas diretamente com a sua aplicação e em especial ao processamento de polímeros cujas temperaturas típicas de processamento encontram-se em torno de 200 °C. Neste trabalho, nanofibras de algodão comercial foram extraídas empregando-se diferentes ácidos: ácido sulfúrico, ácido clorídrico e mistura (1:1; ácido sulfúrico: ácido clorídrico). As nanofibras resultantes foram caracterizadas quanto à morfologia por microscopia de transmissão (MET), potencial zeta, análise elementar, cristalinidade por difração de raio X (DRX) e estabilidade térmica em atmosfera de ar (TGA). Os resultados indicaram uma morfologia muito similar entre as nanofibras bem como a cristalinidade das mesmas, independentemente do ácido utilizado na hidrólise. A principal diferença encontrada foi em relação ao estado de agregação das mesmas e quanto à estabilidade térmica. O estado de agregação das nanofibras em suspensões seguiu a ordem HCl >H2SO4:HCl > H2SO4 devido ao aumento da carga superficial nesta ordem avaliada via medidas de potencial zeta. A incorporação de HCl ao H2SO4 para a obtenção de nanofibras de celulose revelou-se eficaz no aumento da estabilidade térmica das nanofibras relativamente a extrações empregando-se somente H2SO4 e uma melhor dispersão em relação a nanofibras obtidas com o uso somente de HCl.The thermal stability of cellulose nanofibers is related to their application and especially to polymer processing normally occurring at ca. 200 °C. In this work, nanofibers of commercial cotton were obtained by acid hydrolysis employing different acids: sulfuric, hydrochloric and a mixture (1:1; sulfuric acid: hydrochloric acid).The morphology of the nanofibers were characterized by transmission microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, elemental analysis, crystallinity by X ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal stability (TGA) in air atmosphere by thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated a very similar morphology and crystallinity among them. The main differences were lie in the aggregation state and thermal stability. The aggregation state of the suspensions decreases in the order HCl < H2SO4:HCl < H2SO4 due to the increase in surface charge as determined by zeta potential measurements. The hydrolysis with a mixture of HCl and H2SO4 resulted in cellulose nanofibers with higher thermal stability than those hydrolyzed with H2SO4. The hydrolysis employed with a mixture of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids also showed a better dispersion than those suspensions of nanofibers obtained by hydrolysis with only HCl.

A influência de diferentes tratamentos das fibras de sisal nas propriedades dos compósitos de borracha nitrílica/fibras de sisal, e borracha nitrílica/carbonato de cálcio/fibras de sisal foi investigada. Os compósitos, com fibras curtas aleatoriamente distribuídas, foram processados em moinho de dois rolos e caracterizados através de ensaios mecânicos de resistência à tração, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), análise por termogravimetria (TG) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC). O tratamento de mercerização das fibras levou a uma maior adesão na interface fibra/matriz. O uso combinado de 67 pcr de carbonato com 33 pcr de fibras de sisal mercerizadas produziu um compósito com aumento significativo no módulo de elasticidade e sem perda da resistência à tração de ruptura. Os resultados da análise térmica mostraram que os compósitos são termicamente estáveis até cerca de 300 °C. Os materiais obtidos possuem uma boa relação custo/benefício tornando promissora sua utilização.In this work, composites were produced with nitrile rubber and sisal fibers, and nitrile rubber with calcium carbonate and sisal fibers. The composites were processed on a two-roll mixing mill and their properties were investigated with regard to the influence of chemical treatments of the fibers. The composites, with short fibers randomly distributed, were characterized by mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mercerization treatment of the fibers promoted increasing the adhesion between the fiber and the rubber matrix. The composites of nitrile rubber with 67 pcr of calcium carbonate and 33 pcr of mercerized sisal fibers showed the best mechanical properties. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the composites are thermally stable up to 300 °C. The materials developed have a good cost/benefit relationship making their utilization promising.

Nos últimos anos, o interesse pelo uso de fibras naturais em materiais compósitos poliméricos tem aumentado significativamente. Neste trabalho foram investigadas as propriedades, químicas, físicas, térmicas e estruturais da fibra de sisal brasileira da variedade Agave sisalana. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade e o desempenho desta fibra para aplicações industriais. Foram realizados ensaios de resistência à tração, análise da composição química, difração de raios X, e estudos por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) ao longo do comprimento da fibra. A fibra de sisal brasileira apresentou propriedades mecânicas e térmicas dentro da faixa relatada na literatura, mostrando-se adequada para ser utilizada em materiais compósitos poliméricos.In recent years, the interest in the use of natural fibers in polymeric composite materials has increased significantly. In this work were investigated the structural, thermal, chemical, and physical properties of Brazilian sisal fiber from Agave sisalana variety. Our aim was to evaluate the quality and the performance of this fiber for industrial applications. Mechanical properties, chemical composition, X ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been investigated with fibers along their length. The Brazilian sisal fibers studied have exhibited mechanical and thermal properties within the range reported in the literature and were suitable for use in polymeric composites.

Neste trabalho estudou-se o desempenho mecânico e térmico de compostos de borracha natural (Hevea brasiliensis) de 4 diferentes clones (GT 1, IAN 873, PB 235 e RRIM 600) cultivados no Estado de São Paulo, assim como de uma mistura destes clones e de uma borracha comercial, GEB-1. Estas borrachas foram formuladas e vulcanizadas com tempos de 5, 7 e 9 minutos. A caracterização foi realizada por calorimetria exploratória diferencial, termogravimetria, ensaios de resistência à tração, análise dinâmico-mecânica, medidas de dureza Shore A, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia na região do infravermelho. Os resultados permitiram concluir que o tempo de vulcanização e o tipo de clone não influenciaram na temperatura de transição vítrea (Tg) dos compostos. Os valores de Tg obtidos por DMA foram de cerca de -62 °C, e os resultados ensaios de dureza apresentaram valores próximos de 60 para todos os compostos estudados. Os ensaios de resistência à tração mostraram que o melhor desempenho mecânico foi obtido pelo clone RRIM 600. De acordo com os resultados obtidos neste trabalho, todos os clones atingiram as propriedades reportadas na literatura, podendo ser utilizados, em princípio, nas indústrias de artefatos de borracha separadamente ou na forma de mistura.The objective of this work was to study the mechanical and thermal performance of natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) compounds of different types of clones (GT 1, IAN 873, PB 235 and RRIM 600), as well as a mixture made from these clones and a commercial rubber GEB-1. These rubbers were formulated and prepared in a two-roll mill and vulcanized at different times (5, 7 and 9 minutes). The evaluation of the mechanical and thermal performance of different natural rubber compounds was carried out by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), mechanical properties (tensile and hardness tests), dynamic mechanic thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The values obtained for glass transition temperature (Tg) for vulcanized rubbers were found to be around -62 °C, while in the hardness test the values obtained were close to 60, with no great variations when the vulcanization time and type of clone were varied. The tensile tests showed that the best performance was obtained for the clone RRIM 600. All the samples studied were in agreement with standard specifications required for application in the rubber industry, indicating that all clones can be used, in principle, in the rubber industry in blended or unblended forms.

In this paper, the effects of acrylamide (AAm), methylcellulose (MC) contents, pH and ionic strength on kinetic, network and hydrophilic properties of polyacrylamide and methylcellulose hydrogels were investigated. The hydrogels were characterized by evaluating of network [average molecular weight between crosslinks (M C), crosslink density (q) and the number of elastically effective chains (Ve)], and kinetic parameters [diffusional exponent (n), diffusion constant (k) and diffusion coefficient (D)]. Such properties were controlled by adjusting of the AAm, MC contents, pH and ionic strength factors. Due to high hydrophilicity and fast water-uptake, the PAAm-MC hydrogels can be considered as materials for potential applications in agricultural fields, mainly in controlled release of water or pesticides.

Neste estudo, fibras de sisal foram utilizadas como reforço para a matriz constituída de amido, glúten de milho e glicerol. O teor de fibra em relação a matriz variou de 5 a 30%. O processamento da matriz e dos compósitos foi realizado em um reômetro de torque Haake à 130 °C, 50 rpm por 10 minutos. As misturas obtidas foram moldadas por compressão à quente. As propriedades mecânicas; termodinâmico-mecânico (DMTA) e de absorção de água foram investigadas em função do teor de fibras na matriz de amido/glúten de milho/glicerol. O aumento do conteúdo de fibra provocou uma melhoria nas propriedades mecânicas dos compósitos com relação à matriz. O compósito reforçado com 30% de fibra de sisal apresentou aumento no módulo de elasticidade e tensão na ruptura de aproximadamente de 560 e 162%, respectivamente e diminuição nos valores de elongação na ruptura de 81%. Os resultados obtidos por DMTA mostraram aumento progressivo do módulo de armazenamento (E') e diminuição do módulo de amortecimento (tan d) com o aumento do teor de fibra, confirmando o efeito de reforço das fibras de sisal na matriz de amido/glúten de milho/glicerol. A incorporação das fibras na matriz também provocou diminuição da absorção de umidade e no coeficiente de difusão de água. A análise da morfologia dos compósitos mostrou boa dispersão das fibras na matriz.Biocomposites using starch/gluten/glycerol as matrix and sisal fibers were produced by melt-mixing in an intensive batch mixer connected to a torque rheometer at 130 °C. The samples were compression molded and than characterized by water absorption and mechanical test. In tensile test, the increasing in the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strenght were respectively of aproximately 560 and 162% in relation to matrix, whereas elongation at break decreased. The storage modulus increased with increasing fiber content whereas tan d curves decreased, confirming the reinforcing effect of the fibers. The addition of sisal fibers in matrix decreased the water absorption at equilibrium. The diffusion coefficient decreased sharply with 5% addition of fiber and further sisal fiber additions provoked only small variation. Optical microscopy observations revealed good dispersion of the sisal fibers into the matrix.

The detection of the carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THM) in public water supplysystems using low-cost equipment has become an essential feature, since these compoundsmay be generated as by-products of water-treatment processes. Here we report on a sensorarray that extends the concept of an “electronic tongue†to detect small amounts ofbromoform, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane, with detection limits aslow as 0.02 mg L-1. The sensor array was made up of 10 sensing units, in whichnanostructured films of conducting and natural polymers were deposited onto goldinterdigitated electrodes. The principle of detection was impedance spectroscopy, withmeasurements carried out in the range between 1 Hz to 1 MHz. Using data at 1 kHz, atwhich the electrical response varied considerably by changing the analyte, we demonstratedwith principal component analysis (PCA) that samples with the 3 brominatedtrihalomethanes can be distinguished from each other and for various concentrations.

Amidos de milho contendo aproximadamente 72 e 100 % de amilopectina foram convertidos em amidos termoplásticos por processamento em um misturador intensivo a 160 ºC, usando glicerol como plastificante. Os amidos termoplásticos foram condicionados em ambiente de 53 ± 2% u.r. e caracterizados por medidas de absorção de água, difração de raios X, ensaios mecânicos de tração e por análises dinâmico mecânicas (DMA). O amido com menor teor de amilopectina apresentou maior viscosidade durante o processamento, que foi atribuída à estrutura da amilose. Os amidos termoplásticos TPS1 (72% de amilopectina) e TPS2 (100% de amilopectina) não mostraram diferenças apreciáveis nas propriedades de absorção de água. Após duas semanas de armazenamento, o TPS1 apresentou estrutura semicristalina, enquanto o TPS2 apresentou estrutura totalmente amorfa. Após seis semanas ocorreu um aumento da cristalinidade do TPS1 e ocorreu a formação de estruturas cristalinas no TPS2. As propriedades mecânicas e dinâmico-mecânicas foram afetadas pela cristalinidade do amido que é função da razão amilose/amilopectina.Corn starches with approximately 72% and 100 % of amylopectin were processed in an intensive mixer connected to a torque rheometer in the presence of glycerol (plasticizer) at 160ºC. The thermoplastic starches were conditioned at 53 ± 2% of relative humidity for two weeks and characterized by X-ray diffraction, tensile test and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA). The starch with lower amylopectin content presented higher viscosity during the processing which was attributed to linear amylose chains. The thermoplastic starches TPS1 (72% of amylopectin) and TPS2 (100% of amylopectin) did not display significant differences in water absorption. After two weeks of aging, TPS1 exhibited semicrystalline structure, whereas TPS2 presented a amorphous structure. After six weeks, the crystallinity of TPS1 increased and some crystalline behavior could be detected in TPS2. The mechanical and dynamical mechanical properties were affected by starch crystallinity, which is a function of amylose/amylopectin ratio.

Compósitos de PVC, plastificados com diferentes sistemas de plastificação e reforçados com fibras de sisal, foram processados em moinho de dois rolos. A influência do tipo e teor do plastificante, do comprimento e do teor das fibras nas propriedades dos compósitos obtidos foi estudada. Dois tipos de plastificantes foram usados, um líquido (do tipo poliéster) e um sólido permanente (copolímero etileno/ acetato de vinila/ monóxido de carbono). As fibras usadas foram previamente lavadas com água a 80 °C por uma hora. Os compósitos, com fibras curtas aleatoriamente distribuídas, foram caracterizados através de ensaio mecânico de resistência à tração, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e análises térmicas de calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e análise por termogravimetria (TG). O comprimento ótimo de fibra obtido para os compósitos foi de 6 mm. O uso do plastificante sólido mostrou-se viável e promoveu uma maior molhabilidade da fibra pela matriz nos compósitos, principalmente para teores acima de 40 pcr. As análises térmicas mostraram que a substituição do plastificante líquido pelo plastificante sólido não afetou a estabilidade térmica das matrizes e dos compósitos.Composites consisting of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticized with two different types of plasticizers and reinforced with sisal fibers, were processed on a two-roll mixing mill. Two plasticizers were used, a liquid plasticizer (polyester) and a permanent solid plasticizer (ethylene/ vinyl acetate/ carbon monoxide copolymer - Elvaloy® ), to form two kinds of polymeric matrices. For each one of these matrices, the influence of plasticizers type, plasticizers content, size and quantity of sisal fibers in the composite properties has been studied. The fibers were washed with water at 80 °C during one hour. The composites with randomly distributed short fibers were characterized by mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For each one of the polymeric matrices studied, the optimal size of sisal fiber was 6mm in order to have a better reinforcement, under the conditions investigated. The use of a solid plasticizer was feasible for PVC compositions and promoted a better fiber-matrix contact on the composites, increasing mechanical properties for plasticizer quantity over 40 phr, compared to the liquid plasticizer. Thermal analysis (TG and DSC) demonstrated that the replacement of the liquid by the solid plasticizer does not change the thermal behavior of the composites and unloaded polymeric matrices. For both matrices the elastic modulus is increased as the sisal fibers are added, when compared to unloaded matrices.

Neste trabalho, estudou-se a influência do teor de carbonato de cálcio nas propriedades mecânicas e térmicas da borracha nitrílica, e do comprimento das fibras de sisal nas propriedades mecânicas dos compósitos de borracha nitrílica/fibras de sisal, e borracha nitrílica/carbonato de cálcio/fibras de sisal. Os materiais foram caracterizados através de ensaios mecânicos de resistência à tração, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e termogravimetria (TG). O melhor desempenho mecânico dos compósitos com as fibras curtas aleatoriamente distribuídas foi obtido para o comprimento das fibras de 6 mm, e teor de carbonato de 67 pcr. A análise térmica mostrou que os compósitos são estáveis até cerca de 300 °C. Os resultados mostraram que os materiais obtidos possuem uma boa relação custo/benefício tornando promissora sua utilização.In this work, nitrile rubber with sisal fibers composites and nitrile rubber with calcium carbonate and sisal fibers composites were developed. The influence from the calcium carbonate amount and size of sisal fibers on the composite properties was studied. The composites, with short fibers randomly distributed, were characterized by mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal size of sisal fibers to reinforce the nitrile matrix was 6 mm. The ideal volume of calcium carbonate was 67 phr. TGA analysis demonstrated that the composites are stable up to 300 °C. The materials developed have a good cost/benefits relation, being therefore promising their utilization.

Compósitos condutores elétricos a base de poli(fluoreto de vinilideno) (PVDF) e negro de fumo modificado com polianilina (Eeonomer®) foram preparados através do processamento por fusão. Resultados de reometria de torque indicaram que a presença de polianilina no negro de fumo é vantajosa ao processamento por fusão, reduzindo a viscosidade do fundido em comparação com a aditivação com negro de fumo puro. Compósitos contendo acima de 5% em peso de Eeonomer® apresentaram condutividade da ordem de 10-2 S/cm. Esse valor se manteve estável mesmo após tratamento térmico a 150°C por 170 h em atmosfera ambiente. Análises por calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC) e difração de Raios-X mostraram que o tipo e a quantidade de Eeonomer®, assim como a taxa de resfriamento da amostra, podem afetar a temperatura de fusão, o grau de cristalinidade e a fase cristalina do PVDF presente no compósito.

Nonwoven mats of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared at a nano- and submicron scale by solution blow spinning (SBS) and electrospinning in order to compare crystalline structure and morphology developed by both processes during fiber formation. Polymer solutions were characterized by rheometry and tensiometry. Spun fibers were characterized by several analytical steps. SEM analyses showed that both solution blow spun and electrospun fibers had similar morphology. Absence of residual solvents and characteristic infrared bands in the solution blow spun fibers for PLA, PCL, and PEO was confirmed by FTIR studies. XRD diffraction patterns for solution blow spun and electrospun mats revealed some differences related to distinct mechanisms of fiber formation developed by each process. Significant differences in thermal behavior by DSC were observed between cast films of PLA, PCL, and PEO and their corresponding spun nanofibers. Furthermore, the average contact angles for spun PLA and PCL were higher than for electrospun mats, whereas it was slightly lower for PEO. When comparing electrospun and solution blow spun fibers, it was possible to verify that fiber morphology and physical properties depended both on the spinning technique and type of polymer.

The food nutritional content is reduced as result of vitamins degradation. In order to minimize such losses, the encapsulation technique into polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) could offer an additional protection, extending the stability. The crosslinking formed by the ionic gelation process of chitosan and tripolyphosphate (Chi-TPP) has been widely used as an encapsulating matrix for several chemical compounds. In this way, Chi-TPP was used for encapsulation of C, B9 and B12 vitamins. The stability of the vitamins in NPs was evaluated in aqueous suspension by UV-Visible spectroscopy under different conditions: stored in dark, light exposure and effect of oxygen bubbling. The results indicated that encapsulation had a positive effect in preserving the vitamins, mainly vitamin C. The encapsulation preserved 47% of the initial concentration of vitamin C by the tenth day and around 28% after 17 days. Conversely, in non-encapsulated controls (neutral and acidic medium) the losses were higher, reaching 13% by the tenth day and almost 3% after 17 days of storage in both medium. When exposed to light and O2 the protection provided by the encapsulation was even greater. By thermogravimetric analysis, the pure and the encapsulated vitamins showed distinct thermal behavior confirming Chi-TPP as a potential encapsulation material.