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Citrus pseudolimon (galgal), is an underutilized citrus fruit from the Rutaceae family with promising nutritional potential. The study compared morphological, chemical, and nutritional properties of galgal cultivars from Punjab (PBG), Haryana (HRG), and Himachal Pradesh (HPG). HPG was found to have a longer length (110.18 mm), weight (333.4 g), color (L*, a*, b*: 64.83, -13.12, 61.33), peel thickness (3.92 mm), fruit yield (72.14%), and number of seeds (18) compared to HRG and PBG. The moisture content of PBG (84.37%) was greater than HPG (82.73%) and HRG (81.23%). The total sugar level of HPG (9.25%) was found significantly low from PBG and HRG (~ 10%). All cultivars have enough fibres (~ 4%) and pectin (3–4%), with phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid ranging from 67.6 to 77.09 mg GAE/g, 34.39–35.31 mg QE/g, and 68.28–70.45 mg/100 mL, respectively. Fruit seed oil contained palmitic (22.36 to 22.87%), oleic (27.77 to 29.25%), linoleic (31.43 to 32.14%), and linolenic (6.32 to 6.70%) acids and other minor fatty acids. All fruit varieties were antioxidant-rich. The predominant volatile elements in all cultivars were α-pinene, camphene, D-limonene, 3-carene, linalool, c-elemene, and caryophyllene. The GC-MS analysis of all cultivars revealed significant amounts of D-limonene and α-ocimene. Overall, excellent nutritional and functional components make galgal a very important food commodity to be utilized to formulate functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the morphological and chemical characterization of PGS scaffolds after (6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 min) residence in undoped pyrrole plasma (PGS-PPy) and the evaluation of cell viability with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The results were compared with a previous study that used iodine-doped pyrrole (PGS-PPy/I). Analyses through SEM and AFM revealed alterations in the topography and quantity of deposited PPy particles. FTIR spectra of PGS-PPy scaffolds confirmed the presence of characteristic absorption peaks of PPy, with higher intensities observed in the nitrile and -C≡C- groups compared to PGS-PPy/I scaffolds, while raman spectra indicated a lower presence of polaron N+ groups. On the other hand, PGS scaffolds modified with PPy exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to PGS-PPy/I scaffolds, as evidenced by the Live/Dead assay. Furthermore, the PGS-PPy scaffolds at 6 and 12 min, and particularly the PGS-PPy/I scaffold at 6 min, showed the best results in terms of cell viability by the fifth day of culture. The findings of this study suggest that undoped pyrrole plasma modification for short durations could also be a viable option to enhance the interaction with hDPSCs, especially when the treatment times range between 6 min and 12 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-based composites have proven to be the best solution to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric composites. This paper presents the biochar produced from Anacardium occidentale nut shell (AONS) treated with alkaline materials. Composites were developed using the solution casting method at different weight proportions of untreated and alkali-treated AONS biochar/vinyl ester resin (VER). Thermal properties like thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact. Electrical properties were carried out for the composites. DSC results showed the crystallization temperature of untreated and treated VER/15wt%. AONS composites are 13% and 19% higher than pure vinyl ester. Mechanical studies showed that treated and untreated AONS biochar/VER composite samples were increased significantly compared to the pure vinyl ester sample. More importantly, 15wt% of alkali-treated biochar-added composites obtained higher properties than the other composites. These make the AONS an exciting approach to developing a sustainable energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'—57.80 mg·100 g−1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022—53.92 mg·100 g−1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skid resistance is a critical aspect for traffic safety since it significantly influences vehicle control and minimizes the distance required for emergency braking. The surface characteristics of pavements play a pivotal role in determining skid resistance. To achieve the optimal skid resistance performance, the pavement must sustain a specific level of friction. Thus, it is advantageous to apply surface treatments in areas that require enhanced friction. This study investigate the impact of factors such as the aggregate source, size, morphological properties, and abrasion levels on the skid resistance and frictional characteristics of a high-friction surface treatment (HFST). A complete investigation was conducted on HFST samples by analyzing the aggregate morphology using the Aggregate Image Measurement System and performing Micro-Deval abrasion testing. The skid resistance was evaluated with the British Pendulum Tester (BPT). The findings revealed that different aggregates and sizes exhibited varying behaviors post-polishing. Notably, fine-sized aggregates demonstrated higher British pendulum number (BPN) values, which indicate superior frictional performance. Models that predicted skid numbers based on the average texture and angularity indices initially demonstrated the balanced influences of both morphological properties before polishing. However, after polishing, the surface texture emerged as the primary determinant of the skid resistance, which overshadowed the angularity's impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to examine the physical, structural and chemical properties of Aster Squamatus (AS) fibres, which are commonly found in Algeria, Brazil, France and the West Indies. In this work, we assess their appropriateness as reinforcing fillers to fabricate components for polymer composites principally designed for lightweight applications. To accomplish this objective, an extraction of fibres from plants modification of AS fibres and characterization of both untreated fibres (UASFs) and alkali-treated AS fibres (TASFs) are conducted. We analysed the crystallinity, chemical composition, thermal characteristics, and mechanical properties of AS fibres as per standard methods. It's clear from chemical treatment that amorphous components were successfully eliminated from the AS fibres, including hemicellulose, lignin, and wax. Consequently, the fibres' thermal, physical, and mechanical characteristics including Young's modulus, tensile strength, crystalline index, and surface roughness were substantially enhanced. It was determined that the fibres possessed a thermal stability of around 250 °C, with the maximal degradation temperature rising from 372.50 to 375.35 °C. The maximum stress rose from 183.24 ± 25.27 to 302.00 ± 24.91 MPa, the Young's modulus increased from 11.08 ± 1.1 to 18.53 ± 1.45 GPa, and the crystallinity index increased from 43% to 45%. Two-parameter Weibull statistics showed a strong link between experimental data and mechanical features of the twenty samples. We concluded from this work that AS plant fibres can serve as a robust reinforcing material in polymer composites for various applications.

ABSTRACTCashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) plays an important role in global agriculture, particularly in commercializing the cashew kernel. Nevertheless, kernel extraction poses a challenge due to the nut variable shape and size. Characterizing the properties of the cashew nut becomes a pivotal input for the advancement of processes and machinery. This work presents a comprehensive characterization of raw and steamed cashew nuts from Puerto Carreño, Colombia, with focus on morphological, physical, and mechanical properties. Cashew nut samples from different farms in the region were collected. Morphological properties, including size and shape, were analyzed by measuring length, width, and thickness for 100 nuts from each supplier, both in their raw state and after steaming. Geometric diameter and sphericity were calculated, and qualitative shape characterization was performed. Physical properties, such as mass, bulk density, true density, and moisture content, were also measured. Angle of repose and coefficient of friction were determined to assess flow and frictional behavior. Additionally, compressive mechanical properties were evaluated through uniaxial compression testing along three orientations. The findings indicated significant differences in morphological and mechanical properties between raw and steamed cashew nuts. Conversely, the results demonstrated that cashew nuts from Vichada region exhibit a noteworthy degree of dispersion and larger dimensions than those from Asia and Africa, comparable to those from Brazil. The findings guide machinery design in the cashew industry and offer insights into the physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of cashew nuts in Puerto Carreño, contributing to understanding and enabling quality assessment, processing optimization, and product development.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with plant roots and exhibit beneficial impacts such as stress tolerance, better nutrient uptake, and water absorption. These functions have opened the door to research opportunities for considering other fungi associated with AMF on the root rhizosphere. This study aimed to characterize fungal isolates associated with rhizospheric indigenous AMF from different plant species, i.e., banana, grass, and papaya, in three agroecologies, i.e., Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja in Central Kenya. A total of 30 fungal isolates were isolated from soil samples through the pour plate technique. The isolates had diverse microscopic morphological characteristics, describable in form, margin, color, size, and surface. Physiochemical parameters showed varied growth at different pH values, temperatures, and salinity levels. Optimal growth appeared at pH 7.0, 30-35 °C, and 0-0.5 M NaCl salinity. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and AMF subunit sequences showed a level of diversity similar to Aspergillus spp. Ajellomyces spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Glomus spp., and Diversispora spp. In conclusion, there was a symbiotic relationship between AMF and other fungal isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are attracting research interest because of their unique optical properties that result from the quantum confinement effect. ZnSe QDs, which are II–VI semiconductors, offer a wide direct bandgap (2.7 eV), making them promising for applications such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and biomedical labeling. In the present work, colloidal ZnSe (QDs) were synthesized by the hot-injection method with a Zn:Se ratio of 1:1. The optical properties of ZnSe QDs obtained at different reaction times were investigated by spectrophotometric UV–vis absorption and emission measurements. The as-synthesized ZnSe QDs exhibit blue excitonic emission, and no defect emission was detected. Transmission electron micrographs indicated that the QDs have a spherical morphology with dimensions ranging from 3.69 to 4.53 nm. In particular, the Brus model was applied to demonstrate a correlation between the QD sizes and the optical bandgaps obtained from Tauc plots.

In present study, a simple, scalable, cost effective, and single step of carboxymethylation was conducted to functionalize cellulosic fibers from pineapple leaf (PALF) and kenaf core (KCF) into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) product. During the surface modification, an etherification process was applied to prepare CMC from cellulosic fibers using monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide as the solvent medium. The obtained CMC products were characterized using various advanced techniques like SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and particle size analysis. The FTIR analysis revealed the occurrence of a new absorbed peak at around 1620.2 cm−1, reflecting to the vibrational stretch of carboxyl groups (COOH) and another observed peak at 1423.8 cm−1 was assigning to the salts of carboxyl groups for carboxymethyl cellulose (COONa). Meanwhile, the XRD results confirmed the reduction of crystalline structure for CMC after the synthesis process. The native cellulose characteristic peaks for CMC became almost unobservable due to their transformation into an amorphous structure. Besides this, the SEM examination presented the CMC powder with ruptured surface morphology, while showing cracked and deformed structure owing to the breakdown of the CMC polymer chain after reaction with 40% NaOH concentration. Furthermore, the EDX analysis showed highly pure cellulose elemental composition in each fiber sample after chemical treatments. Moreover, the thermal behavior was stable for both CMC product from PALF and KCF by showing a relatively uniform horizontal curve of DSC pattern. Therefore, the obtained CMC product has potential used for pharmaceutical and food additives application fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In addition to many materials, silver vanadate (AgVO3) has gained interest due to its antimicrobial properties, which opens up the potential for use as an antibacterial agent for biomedical applications. This work aimed to study the effect of AgVO3 addition on the structural and morphological properties of a developed dental porcelain (DP) prepared from natural raw materials. AgVO3 nanowires, prepared by the coprecipitation method, were added in different amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) to a DP mass with the initial composition of 80 wt.% feldspar, 15 wt.% quartz, and 5 wt.% kaolin, obtained by sintering the mixture at 1300 °C. The structural and morphological properties of AgVO3 and DP were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the formation of α-AgVO3 nanowires coated with semispherical metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, α-AgVO3 additions do not influence the structural and morphological properties of DP, with the presence of Ag and V clearly identified in the DP with the α-AgVO3 addition. Our findings highlight the potential of this novel material for use in various dental applications. Future studies need to establish the antibacterial properties of the prepared dental material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are attracting research interest because of their unique optical properties that result from the quantum confinement effect. ZnSe QDs, which are II–VI semiconductors, offer a wide direct bandgap (2.7 eV), making them promising for applications such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and biomedical labeling. In the present work, colloidal ZnSe (QDs) were synthesized by the hot-injection method with a Zn:Se ratio of 1:1. The optical properties of ZnSe QDs obtained at different reaction times were investigated by spectrophotometric UV–vis absorption and emission measurements. The as-synthesized ZnSe QDs exhibit blue excitonic emission, and no defect emission was detected. Transmission electron micrographs indicated that the QDs have a spherical morphology with dimensions ranging from 3.69 to 4.53 nm. In particular, the Brus model was applied to demonstrate a correlation between the QD sizes and the optical bandgaps obtained from Tauc plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the preparation of "Ag" alloying Cu2ZnSnSe4 films using a two‐step process, comprising vacuum evaporated ([Sn/ZnSe/Ag/Sn/ZnSe/Cu] × 2) precursor layer deposition on glass substrates followed by low‐temperature pre‐annealing treatment (PAT) in Se ambiance (200–400 °C) for 30 min and high‐temperature annealing at 500 °C for 1 min, is reported. The low‐temperature PAT provides adequate Se diffusion into precursor layers and plays a pivotal influence on the growth and properties of (Cu,Ag)2ZnSnSe4 films. The Zn/Sn and Se/metals ratios are found to be varied in the range 0.77–1.32 and 1.07–0.86 with PAT (200–400 °C) followed by annealing at 500 °C for 1 min. The precursor layers are pre‐annealed at 300 °C for 30 min, followed by annealing at 500 °C for 1 min, found to be nearly stoichiometric with uniform distribution of constituents. The valence states of the constituents are confirmed by X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Both X‐Ray diffraction and Raman studies confirm the formation of single‐phase (Cu,Ag)2ZnSnSe4 along (112) orientation with a strong Raman mode at 194 cm−1. Large and well‐defined grains with a mean size of 0.7 μm are seen in the field‐emission scanning electron microscope images. The (Cu,Ag)2ZnSnSe4 films exhibit a direct bandgap of 1.12 eV and p‐type conductivity with high mobility, 5.23 cm2 V−1 s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared by blending natural rubber (NR) and polypropylene (PP) using dynamic sulfur curing systems with varying accelerator/sulfur ratios: 0.5/2.5, 1.5/1.5, and 2.5/0.5 phr, categorized as conventional (CV), semi-efficient (semi-EV), and efficient (EV). The onset of dynamic vulcanization closely corresponded with scorch time in statically cured NR compounds. Mixing torque decreased over time, reflecting reversion patterns in static curing. The CV system exhibited the highest reversion tendency due to polysulfide linkage breakdown, forming stronger but shorter crosslinks. Dynamic vulcanization induced higher reversion than static curing, influenced by shear and extensional forces. Curing systems caused crosslinking rates, reversion, and crosslink density and distribution variations. Unlike statically cured NR, PP-extracted TPVs exhibited an inverse trend in total crosslink densities and distributions; TPVs primarily comprised shorter crosslinks with opposed total crosslink densities ranked EV > semi-EV > CV. This trend is strongly correlated with superior mechanical strength, toughness, storage modulus, viscosity, and rubber elasticity in the EV-cured TPV. EV system also had the smallest vulcanized NR domains in the PP matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of the plant biomass available on earth makes plants an exceptional resource for replacing fossil resources in green chemistry, bioenergy and biobased materials. For numerous applications, and especially the high-tech ones (building block molecules, high-power bioenergy, additive manufacturing of biobased materials), the macrostructure assemblies of the plant biomass often need to be first broken down into a fine powder. This can be achieved by dry fractionation process combining comminution and sorting steps. The chemical and physical properties of the ground plant powder results both from the process conditions, the histological structure and chemical composition of the raw plant materials. In a forward engineering approach, the quality of the final products can be highly improved by the selection of the right powder (raw materials and production process) for the right application.This article provides production routes together with physical and chemical characterization of 10 biomass powders from 6 different biomass feedstocks (SP - spirulina, HI - hibiscus, PB - pine bark, HC - hemp Core, RH - rice husk and RHA - rice husk ash). These feedstocks represent a broad range of raw materials properties. For pine bark, hemp core, rice husk and rice husk ash, two grades of powders related to two different particle sizes were produced by two different routes to highlight the impact of the comminution process on the powder properties. The devices used and the process parameters are described. The morphological properties of the powder were quantified using laser diffraction (particle size) and image analysis (shape factor) and qualitatively analyzed with SEM. The specific surface area was determined using gas sorption with BET theory, and the hygroscopic properties were measured using direct vapor sorption. The chemical characterizations were determined with a set of biochemical assays and, complementary, FTIR and fluorescence spectra were recorded to provide fingerprints of samples. The dataset includes tables that summarize the main characteristic descriptors of each analysis as well as the raw data.The data are registered in the French Research Data Gouv public repository and also stored in the PO2 BaGaTel database using the PO2/TransformON ontology [1]. SPO2Q web tool allows on line querying of the database, which can also be consulted using PO2 manager desktop application [1–3]

This study aimed to analyse the physicochemical, structural, functional, and thermal properties of flour from two indigenous Ethiopian Potato (Plectranthus edulis) varieties, Chanqua and Loffo, and to compare with wheat flour (WF). The study also investigated how oven and sun drying methods affected the physicochemical properties of the flours. The results demonstrated a significant distinction (p ≤ 0.05) between the flour samples and WF, attributable to variations in both the varieties and the drying methods except that no significant difference in pH was observed due to the varieties, and the fibre and ash content did not vary significantly with the drying methods. The moisture content (MC) of the flours ranged from 5.72 % in oven-dried Chanqua Ethiopian potato flour (OD-CEPF) to 7.53 % in sun-dried Loffo Ethiopian potato flour (SD-LEPF), both of which were lower compared to WF. The protein content varied from 4.47 % (SD-CEPF) to 5.93 % (OD-LEPF). FTIR tests revealed a significant impact on the structural changes, leading to variations in the location and intensity of infrared absorption peaks, particularly in sensitive regions. Whereas, the XRD patterns showed characteristic B-type diffraction, with a relative crystallinity (RC) of 31.97 % in CEPF and 30.53 % in LEPF having a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between them. LEPF had better flow properties than CEPF, with lower Hausner ratio (HR) (1.16 vs. 1.25), Carr's index (CI) (14.51 % vs. 20.26 %), and angle of repose (31.00° vs. 34.67°). It also showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC) and swelling power (SP) properties than CEPF. The study also indicated notable distinctions in the thermal and paring properties of flours. The oven drying method was found to be superior in enhancing the physicochemical properties, with LEPF showing better physicochemical, functional, structural, and thermal properties than CEPF.

Natural fibers along with glass fibers were used as the reinforcement of an epoxy matrix for the betterment of mechanical and wear applications. The combination of overall wt% up to 20 resulted in 23.8 MPa of tensile strength compared to 15.5 MPa for untreated fibers. The wt% of areca fiber (AF) (20 wt%)/glass fibers (GF) (20 wt%) with 5% alkali treatment yielded a maximum tensile strength up to 62.6% in comparison to untreated fiber at lowest percentage of 10 wt%. The increase in flexural strength with alkali treatment was observed from 20 to 50 wt% hybrid fiber incorporation. The alkali treated fibers, untreated fiber combinations achieved 33.8% and 26.8% improvement with impact properties. A decrease in the wear loss was shown with the increase in wt% of hybrid fiber incorporation from 20 to 40 wt%. The interfacial adhesion of fiber with matrix created a pressure absorbing zone that was positively influenced with applying higher loads. The frictional rate was highly increasing with increase in hybrid fiber wt% and also with higher loads applied. The SEM results for treated 20 wt% AF+20 wt% GF with hybrid fiber incorporation observed better results due to improved adhesion of fiber with matrix phase.

Abstract We investigated the multifaceted gas sensing properties of porous silicon thin films electrodeposited onto (100) oriented P-type silicon wafers substrates. Our investigation delves into morphological, optical properties, and sensing capabilities, aiming to optimize their use as efficient gas sensors. Morphological analysis revealed the development of unique surfaces with distinct characteristics compared to untreated sample, yielding substantially rougher yet flat surfaces, corroborated by Minkowski Functionals analysis. Fractal mathematics exploration emphasized that despite increased roughness, HF/ethanol-treated surfaces exhibit flatter attributes compared to untreated Si sample. Optical approaches established a correlation between increased porosity and elevated localized states and defects, influencing the Urbach energy value. This contributed to a reduction in steepness values, attributed to heightened dislocations and structural disturbances, while the transconductance parameter decreases. Simultaneously, porosity enhances the strength of electron‒phonon interaction. The porous silicon thin films were further tested as effective gas sensors for CO2 and O2 vapors at room temperature, displaying notable changes in electrical resistance with varying concentrations. These findings bring a comprehensive exploration of some important characteristics of porous silicon surfaces and established their potential for advanced industrial applications.

Abstract The study aims to explore a novel approach for fabricating plasmonic nanostructures to enhance the optical properties and performance of various optoelectronic devices. The research begins by employing a piezo-inkjet printing technique to deposit drops containing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto a glass substrate at a predefined equidistance, with the goal of obtaining arrays of Ag microdots (Ag-µdots) on the glass substrate. This process is followed by a thermal annealing treatment. The printing parameters are first optimized to achieve uniform deposition of different sizes of Ag-µdots arrays by controlling the number of Ag ink drops. Subsequently, the printed arrays undergo thermal annealing at various temperatures in air for 60 min, enabling precise and uniform control over nanoparticle formation. The printed Ag nanoparticles are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to analyze their morphological features, ensuring their suitability for plasmonic applications. UV–Vis spectrophotometry is employed to investigate the enhanced surface-plasmonic-resonance properties of the printed AgNPs. Measurements confirm that the equidistant arrays of AgNPs obtained from annealing Ag microdots exhibit enhanced light-matter interaction, leading to a surface plasmon resonance response dependent on the Ag NPs’ specific surface area. These enhanced surface plasmonic resonances open avenues for developing cutting-edge optoelectronic devices that leverage the benefits of plasmonic nanostructures, thereby enabling new opportunities for future technological developments across various fields.

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Physics is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work aims to provide an overview of the synthesis and characterization method employed for the graphene/cobalt nanocomposite, along with highlighting its applications. In this research, we report the synthesis of graphene/cobalt nanocomposite using two-steps laser ablation technique. The experiments were performed with the first harmonic (1064 nm, 10 ns, 6 Hz) output of a Nd:YAG laser varying the operative energy of 100 mJ for graphene synthesis and 80 mJ for cobalt synthesis. The structural, morphological and optical characteristics of the prepared samples have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field effect electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDX) and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. All characteristic peaks of XRD and EDX results agreed well with those of graphene and cobalt oxide. The FESEM images showed the formation of graphene nano sheets and Co or Co Oxide nanoparticles. The average grain size of these nanoparticles was estimated about 25 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet, known for its adaptability to challenging agro‐climatic conditions, emerges as a valuable candidate for biopolymer‐based packaging. The AHB 1200 cultivar, distinguished by its high starch content, provides a reliable source for biopolymer extraction. The conversion of pearl millet starch into nanoparticles by acid hydrolysis represents a cutting‐edge method to enhance biopolymeric materials. The inclusion of these nanoparticle concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) into the film results in improved mechanical characteristics, reduced water permeability, and increased biodegradability. Furthermore, the lowered water solubility and reduced water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) further underscore their positive contributions. This study comprehensively examines various film properties, encompassing WVTR from 7.23 ± 0.06 to 4.57 ± 0.08 g/m2/s, moisture content, solubility from 35.29 ± 0.51% to 30.09 ± 0.15%, burst strength from 1102.11 ± 0.99 g to 1535.71 ± 0.63 g, thermal stability, and biodegradability from 65.16% to 92.89%. The findings highlight the notable advancements achieved through the integration of starch nanoparticles. Practical applications: Pearl millet (AHB 1200) starch nanoparticle‐based edible films offer a versatile solution for specialized food packaging needs because of their compatibility with various food types, dairy products, fresh produce, and so on. These films act as a protective barrier and maintain product freshness during storage and transit. It also has enhanced mechanical strength and tear resistance and provides vacuum‐sealed packaging, ensuring an extended shelf life. Beyond their functional benefits, these edible films present an opportunity for branding and marketing differentiation. The films made with pearl millet have an earthy, natural appearance that fits with today's customer inclination for sustainable and environmentally friendly goods. This allows manufacturers to leverage the films as a means of conveying their commitment to environmentally friendly practices, enhancing their brand image and consumer loyalty. Furthermore, the biodegradability of these films is preferred over plastic waste. They offer a viable alternative to traditional plastic packaging, aligning with global initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explore a novel approach for fabricating plasmonic nanostructures to enhance the optical properties and performance of various optoelectronic devices. The research begins by employing a piezo-inkjet printing technique to deposit drops containing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto a glass substrate at a predefined equidistance, with the goal of obtaining arrays of Ag microdots (Ag-µdots) on the glass substrate. This process is followed by a thermal annealing treatment. The printing parameters are first optimized to achieve uniform deposition of different sizes of Ag-µdots arrays by controlling the number of Ag ink drops. Subsequently, the printed arrays undergo thermal annealing at various temperatures in air for 60 min, enabling precise and uniform control over nanoparticle formation. The printed Ag nanoparticles are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to analyze their morphological features, ensuring their suitability for plasmonic applications. UV–Vis spectrophotometry is employed to investigate the enhanced surface-plasmonic-resonance properties of the printed AgNPs. Measurements confirm that the equidistant arrays of AgNPs obtained from annealing Ag microdots exhibit enhanced light-matter interaction, leading to a surface plasmon resonance response dependent on the Ag NPs' specific surface area. These enhanced surface plasmonic resonances open avenues for developing cutting-edge optoelectronic devices that leverage the benefits of plasmonic nanostructures, thereby enabling new opportunities for future technological developments across various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the multifaceted gas sensing properties of porous silicon thin films electrodeposited onto (100) oriented P-type silicon wafers substrates. Our investigation delves into morphological, optical properties, and sensing capabilities, aiming to optimize their use as efficient gas sensors. Morphological analysis revealed the development of unique surfaces with distinct characteristics compared to untreated sample, yielding substantially rougher yet flat surfaces, corroborated by Minkowski Functionals analysis. Fractal mathematics exploration emphasized that despite increased roughness, HF/ethanol-treated surfaces exhibit flatter attributes compared to untreated Si sample. Optical approaches established a correlation between increased porosity and elevated localized states and defects, influencing the Urbach energy value. This contributed to a reduction in steepness values, attributed to heightened dislocations and structural disturbances, while the transconductance parameter decreases. Simultaneously, porosity enhances the strength of electron‒phonon interaction. The porous silicon thin films were further tested as effective gas sensors for CO2 and O2 vapors at room temperature, displaying notable changes in electrical resistance with varying concentrations. These findings bring a comprehensive exploration of some important characteristics of porous silicon surfaces and established their potential for advanced industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement-based biocomposites are a current area of construction research. Plant fibres retard the setting times of cement due to their hydrophilic nature and the thermal properties of raw cement mortar containing plant fibres can be problematic. This aim of this work was to study the effect of fibre treatment to reduce the hydrophilicity of natural fibres while enhancing the thermal properties of the cementitious matrix. The first part of this study focused on structural and morphological aspects. Scanning electron microscopy showed a tiny calcium layer around the sisal fibre treated with sodium hydroxide and paraffin oil on the adhesion surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed a disparity in the peaks of the absorption bands of calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide. The treatment slowed the alkaline hydrolysis and mineralisation of the fibre cell walls in the interfacial transition zone, thus promoting cement hydration. The second part of this work was a thermophysical study of the composites. The inclusion of sisal fibres led to remarkable decreases in thermal conductivity and heat capacity. The best thermal properties were obtained for the composite with sisal fibre immersed in paraffin oil. Biomortars with treated sisal fibre are thus promising from an insulation point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the polymers made from fossil fuels end up as waste material and this environment-damaging situation has revealed the need to take some precautions such as the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials obtained from renewable sources as an alternative. Biopolymers are being evaluated as alternatives to traditional polymers especially in the automotive industry due to their better-understood properties such as mechanical and physical behavior through the studies conducted. On the other hand, when the literature studies are evaluated, it can be seen that the production of foam materials, which are focused on lightness and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission limitations that are important and essential for the automotive sector, is an area that is also researched and studied for biopolymers. Several studies are carried out with both physical and chemical foaming agents on this subject in recent years. In this study, it is aimed to develop light, environmentally friendly, high-performance polylactic acid (PLA) based polymeric composite foams that can be used in the automotive industry by using twin screw extruder and compression molding methods. For this purpose, polyamide 6 (PA6) and polypropylene (PP) polymers were used with PLA and by adding 1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% and 2 wt.% chemical blowing agents to the polymer mixtures, the physical, thermal, mechanical, morphological properties and changes in these properties were investigated. The most suitable chemical blowing agent ratio was found to be 1.5 wt.% for PLA/PP and PLA/PA6 mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional injection molding is widely used to produce plastic parts, mainly in the automotive industry, due to the high production ratios and quality of injection parts. Low mold temperatures are usually employed to decrease cycle molding time and final process costs; however, resulting surface defects include weld lines, sink marks, and warpage. Therefore, plastic parts are often subjected to secondary processes to reduce the surface defects. A dynamic mold heating and cooling control technology, rapid heat cycle molding (RHCM), was employed to optimize the injection molding process. The present study combined convection heating (pressurized water flow) and external infrared heating systems to investigate the effect of dynamic temperature control on the injection molding process. The infrared heating system was custom built to allow studying under controlled conditions the influence of several process parameters on the resulting morphology and mechanical properties. Results show significant gains from using the RHCM technology to optimize the conventional process, namely, at 100 °C no frozen layer is formed while simultaneously increasing the Young's modulus. Industrial companies struggling with defects resulting from the thermal changes during injection molding can thus consider RHCM as a mitigation strategy and use these results as a guide for tool design and implementation of the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposite membranes made of chitosan (Cs) concentrations, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a fixed ratio of (60:40), then incorporated with different concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3%) were created using the solution cast method. The membranes were identified using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that the samples were sufficiently stable, and the interactions between nanoparticles and polymers were generally negligible. XRD patterns showed a crystalline phase of PVA, an amorphous phase of chitosan, and a more crystalline phase as MWCNTs were introduced. In particular, at high percentages of MWCNTs, the dominant phase (002), connected to MWCNTs, was shifted to a higher value. The UV-vis spectroscopy of the sample showed only one absorption peak at about 230 nm and no other peaks. This may be due to transparency in PVA and Cs. The band gap energy decreased when higher percentages of MWCNTs were added to the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological properties of aggregates are supposed to have a significant contribution to the engineering properties and behaviour of concrete material. Aggregate shape plays a vital role in the behaviour of fresh and hardened concrete and asphalt mixes. In this regard, when using numerical methods to generate concrete composite, emphasis should be placed on simulation of aggregate to resemble and get as close as possible to the actual concrete material. It is essential to determine and quantify the shape properties of randomly generated aggregates used in simulating concrete composite material. In this study, a well-known FEM software, ANSYS, was employed to generate 3-D coarse aggregates. The numerical generation of 3-D shapes relies on ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). The geometrical features of simulated coarse irregular aggregates created with ANSYS software were compared with those of crushed actual aggregates quantified in terms of form indices determined experimentally from both 2-D projected area and 3-D dimensions. The simulated aggregates showed reliable sphericity and roundness that is within the known range of genuine crushed limestone aggregates. According to the t-test, it is found that there is no statistically significant difference between the sphericity mean and the hypothesised one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were formed in the present paper, employing a pulsed laser irradiation approach on a pure zinc target surrounding double deionized water. The structure, morphology, chemical bonding, and optical characteristics of prepared ZnO nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, spectrophotometer, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanoparticles have a nanocrystalline structure with a hexagonal wurtzite arrangement and are spherical with diameters ranging from 5 to 60 nm depending on the laser energy. The analysis of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy shows a blue shift with decreasing laser energy, and the optical energy bandgap increases as particle size decreases. The FTIR spectrum of ZnO nanoparticles identified at 512.37 cm−1 and 448.63 cm−1 was ascribed to Zn–O-Zn stretching vibrations. However, using the agar well diffusion technique, ZnO nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial properties towards two distinct strains of bacteria. Antibacterial inspection demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the anticancer potential treated with the ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated against the ovarian tumor cell line (SKOV-3), as well as the results suggest that the nanoparticles can function against an antiproliferative agent towards SKOV-3 cells. The present work illustrates the promise of biomedical applications of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by laser irradiation in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to study the effect of injection parameters on the mechanical properties of the developed green composites. Natural flax fibre and biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid was chosen to develop the green composites. The flax fibre was chemically treated using sodium hydroxide to fabricate the green composite by injection moulding. The injection parameters namely (i) injection pressure (bar), (ii) injection speed (mm/s), and (iii) injection temperature (°C) was considered to investigate their effect on the mechanical properties of developed polylactic acid/flax green composites. The mechanical properties, such as (a) tensile strength (TS), (b) tensile modulus (TM), (c) percentage elongation under tensile loading (PET), (d) flexural strength (FS), (e) flexural modulus (FM), (f) percentage elongation under flexural loading (PEF), (g) compressive strength (CS), and (h) shear strength (SS) was evaluated under different injection conditions. Furthermore, the morphology of the mechanically tested specimens was investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Grey relational analysis was performed to find the optimal injection condition. The optimum injection condition depicting superior mechanical properties was found at injection parameters combination of 90 bar (injection pressure), 60 mm/s (injection speed), and 165 °C (injection temperature). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly alkaline multicomponent systems TiO2–H2SO4–Na2SiO3–NaOH–H2O and TiO2–H2SO4–(NH4)2SO4–Na2SiO3–NaOH–H2O have been studied under conditions of hydrothermal synthesis, which gives new products with specified technical properties. It has been shown that, by a targeted selection of structure-forming components, in particular, titanium compounds, together with optimal parameters of hydrothermal treatment of the formed precursor, one can obtain compounds with given chemical composition and particle size and morphology. It has been found that the rate of structural transformations in the synthesis depends on the phase composition of titanosilicate precursors. Their hydrothermal treatment involves the alkaline and thermal hydrolysis followed by dehydration of the hydrolyzed phases of titanium(IV) and silicon. This is accompanied by the localization of free bonds ensuring the formation of Ti–O–Si–O bridges and their subsequent transformation into new structured species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel nanocomposite structure has been made from physical mixing of polymer blend consist PMMA, PEO and PS filled with selenium nanoparticles. The nanocomposite had been deposited on glass slide by drop casting to form a thin film. This film was examined by required instrument like FESEM, XRD, EDS and UV-Vis to show the main physical properties of it. The XRD results were reflected the crystallinity nature of selenium NPs. SEM result shows the porosity nature of prepared film, where the pore size ranging from nano to micro size on all the surface of film. Also the indirect and direct bandgaps estimated and presented and equal to 3.77 and 4 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effect of alkali treatment at ambient (25 °C) and elevated temperatures (100 °C) on the physicochemical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of Calamus tenuis cane fibers (CTCFs) for the first time. Our purpose is to investigate their potential use as reinforcement in polymer composites, since cane fibers are generally known for their accurate and consistent geometrical orientation. Treatment with 8% (w/v) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is carried out at ambient temperature and at 100 °C for 4 h. Chemical analysis and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) indicate some removal of non-cellulosic elements from CTCFs during alkali treatment, resulting in increased surface roughness, as confirmed by using SEM micrographs. This removal of non-cellulosic elements leads to an enhancement in the density of the treated CTCFs. Untreated and treated fibers are analyzed for maximum degradation temperature, thermal stability, and kinetic activation energy (Ea) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In particular, Ea was considerably diminished with treatment and temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show an improved crystallinity index (37.38% to 44.02%) and crystallite size (2.73 nm to 2.98 nm) for fibers treated with 8% NaOH at ambient temperature. In conclusion, a general benefit was achieved by treating CTCFs, though the influence of increasing temperature treatment appears controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising biodegradable bio-based material, which is designed for a vast range of applications, depending on its composite. This study aims to assess the degradability of a PHBV-based compound under different conditions. The research group followed different methodological approaches and assessed visual and mass changes, mechanical and morphological properties, spectroscopic and structural characterisation, along with thermal behaviour. The Ph-Stat (enzymatic degradation) test and total dry solids (TDS)/total volatile solids (TVS) measurements were carried out. Finally, the team experimentally evaluated the amount of methane and carbon dioxide produced, i.e., the degree of biodegradation under aerobic conditions. According to the results, different types of tests have shown differing effects of environmental conditions on material degradation. In conclusion, this paper provides a summary of the investigations regarding the degradation behaviour of the PHBV-based compound under varying environmental factors.The main strengths of the study lie in its multi-faceted approach, combining assessments of PHBV-based compound degradability under different conditions using various analytical tools, such as visual and mass changes, mechanical and morphological properties, spectroscopic and structural characterization, and thermal behavior. These methods collectively contribute to the robustness and reliability of the undertaken work.

Zinc and copper pollution in agricultural lands due to anthropogenic activities has become a major environmental problem. While these metals are essential for plant growth, their excessive presence can lead to plant toxicity. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of zinc and copper (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) in soil on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica, commonly known as water spinach. The morphological properties, including plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter, were assessed, along with soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Biochemical properties, specifically the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) in plant tissues, were measured using colorimetric assays. The results revealed significant morphological changes in plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves at 200 ppm zinc treatment compared to the control. Additionally, the number of leaves significantly increased at the 100 ppm copper treatment, while the stem diameter decreased significantly at 300 ppm. Both zinc and copper treatments slightly reduced soil pH and increased soil EC. At the 300 ppm treatment, substantial changes in phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in the stems and leaves of I. aquatica. Copper treatment at 200 ppm increased the TPC of leaves, while 100 ppm copper treatment increased the TFC of stems. Furthermore, the 300 ppm zinc treatment significantly increased the TPC and TFC in stems and leaves. These findings indicate that zinc and copper concentrations have notable effects on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate balance of these metal elements to cultivate plants that are morphologically and physiologically resilient.

Background/purpose: Because of the complex anatomical structure of the maxillofacial skeleton, bending plates is necessary during surgery. The fast developing three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology has provided a new method for making personalized craniomaxillofacial bone plates. However, the properties of these bone plates remain unknown. This study evaluates the mechanical, fatigue, and morphological properties of these bone plates, which may provide data supporting future clinical applications. Materials and methods: The 3DP bone plate was fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) technologies. Mechanical, surface, and defect analyses were performed to compare their properties with a standard machined sample. One-way analysis of variance was applied, with p

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone ‘21-17’—57.80 mg·100 g−1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022—53.92 mg·100 g−1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit.

In addition to many materials, silver vanadate (AgVO3) has gained interest due to its antimicrobial properties, which opens up the potential for use as an antibacterial agent for biomedical applications. This work aimed to study the effect of AgVO3 addition on the structural and morphological properties of a developed dental porcelain (DP) prepared from natural raw materials. AgVO3 nanowires, prepared by the coprecipitation method, were added in different amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) to a DP mass with the initial composition of 80 wt.% feldspar, 15 wt.% quartz, and 5 wt.% kaolin, obtained by sintering the mixture at 1300 °C. The structural and morphological properties of AgVO3 and DP were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the formation of α-AgVO3 nanowires coated with semispherical metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, α-AgVO3 additions do not influence the structural and morphological properties of DP, with the presence of Ag and V clearly identified in the DP with the α-AgVO3 addition. Our findings highlight the potential of this novel material for use in various dental applications. Future studies need to establish the antibacterial properties of the prepared dental material.

Researchers and industry are looking for green and sustainable materials as reinforcement for lightweight composite structures. This research aim was designed to study the characteristics of the fibre extracted from a waste product of the spathe of date palm (SDP). In this work, density, crystallinity index, crystal size, tensile strength, surface roughness, extreme degradation temperature and thermal stability of SDP fibres were investigated. Density is estimated to be 0.59 g/cm3. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the crystallinity index about (57.82%) and the crystal size is (19 nm). The results of the thermal analysis gave the degradation temperature as 270 °C and Ea as 69.14 kJ/mol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation confirmed the presence of surface contaminants including wax and other foreign materials. Also, the mechanical properties identified are tensile strength (100 ± 21.5 MPa), and Young's modulus (4 ± 0.9% GPa). Based on the study's findings, SDP fibres should be considered for usage as a reinforcing material in the development of novel polymer composites with a wide range of lightweight industrial applications.

The use of natural fibres for polymer composite applications has been widely researched due to the biodegradable and lightweight nature of natural fibres. To achieve good adhesion and compatibility between the matrix and the fibre filler, prior modification of the fibre surface via the use of various methods has been found to be effective. The natural fibres have been modified using chemical, physical, radiation, grafting and biological methods. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of sodium hydroxide-treated waste pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) content on the chemical, thermal, and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites. PBS-PALF composites with fibre content ranging from 0 to 20 wt% were prepared using an internal mixer and their properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The FTIR results showed no noticeable functionality differences among the composites, however, carbonyl groups from PBS polymer at ∼1700 cm−1 and hydroxyl groups from PALF at ∼3000 cm−1 were observed in the composites. The water absorption uptake of the composites increased with fibre content due to the hydrophilic nature of the PALF fibres and the highest water absorption percentage achieved was ∼30 %. The incorporation of the fibres into the PBS matrix decreased the crystallinity of the composites as shown by the XRD peaks at 2ϴ = 22 and 30°. SEM images of the composites with 20 wt% exhibited morphologies where the fibres protruded out from the polymer matrix, and this was ascribed to the agglomerated fibres which were poorly mixed with the matrix at the higher fibre content. Overall, the incorporation of high PALF content in the composites disrupted the crystallinity and thermal stability of the PBS matrix. The composites have potential in industrial agricultural mulching film applications due to their sustainability characteristics.

The potential of magnetorheological (MR) foam, a recently developed porous smart material, has grown rapidly in recent years. The ability of MR foam to change its properties continuously, actively, and reversibly in response to a controlled external magnetic stimulus is one of its advantages for applications in advanced technology industries. However, its ability to store energy is still relatively low. This study attempts to address this drawback by highlighting a method to improve this ability by enhancing the material's storage modulus by introducing constrained foaming during the fabrication process. MR foam containing 75 wt% carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) was prepared in situ using two foaming approaches: free and constrained foaming. The effect of constraint foaming on the storage modulus enhancement was further investigated by reducing the mold length by 25 % and 50 %. The rheological properties of the fabricated MR foam samples were then examined using a rheometer in both the absence and presence of magnetic fields in an oscillatory shear mode. Thus, this study showed that constraint foaming has successfully improved the properties, especially regarding storage modulus and MR effect. When the mold volume was further reduced by 50 %, the storage modulus increased by about 50 % compared to a free-foaming MR foam at off-state conditions. Meanwhile, the results portrayed a higher storage modulus value under a 0.659 T magnetic field. This positive enhancement was believed to be due to a more compact CIP distribution. Hence, constraint volume MR foams were able to form stronger chain-like structures. The micrograph analysis by digital microscope revealed that the pore size decreased as the mold length was reduced. A shorter mold resulted in a more compact distribution of magnetic particles. As a result, MR foam with constrained foaming, especially at 50 % mold length, has a higher storage modulus. Overall, using constrained foaming to fabricate MR foam could improve the structure and mechanical properties of MR foam for a wide range of smart devices.

In the current study, SnO2 nanoparticles were fabricated using laser ablation in water and characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results showed that the fabricated nanoparticles had a tetragonal crystal structure. TEM micrographs revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm, depending on the laser energy used. The band gap energy of the SnO2 nanoparticles was found to increase with decreasing particle size. The antibacterial activity of the SnO2 nanoparticles was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the results showed that the nanoparticles were more effective against S. aureus. In addition, the anticancer activity of the SnO2 nanoparticles was tested against the lung cancer cell line A549 cells, and the findings suggest that the nanoparticles can act as an anti-proliferative agent against A549 cells. This study reveals that SnO2 nanoparticles that are synthesized by laser ablation in water could be a future strategy for other biomedical applications such as antifungal, antiviral, and immune modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]