Effects of Polyethylene Oxide Concentration on the Size of Beads in Electrospun Beaded Nanofibers

Embedding particle drugs in beaded nanofibers by electrospinning has been shown a potential approach to control drug release in tissue engineering. The bead size is one of the critical parameters in controlling the drug release rate. In this study,the relationship between polymer concentration and beads size was investigated. Aqueous polyethylene oxide( PEO) solutions with different concentrations were prepared to obtain various beaded nanofibers by electrospnning. Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope( SEM) were used to observe the variation tendency of bead size. With an increase in the polymer concentration,the diameter of fibers between beads became bigger,while the fiber uniformity improved. In addition, the polymer concentration influenced the distribution of bead diameter. Higher polymer concentration would reduce the possibility of small-sized beads formation and improve the uniformity of bead diameter. The study provides a possible way to control the size of beads,which is helpful for further research on the control of particle drug release.

Incorporating multifunctional LiAlSiO_(4) into polyethylene oxide for high-performance solid-state lithium batteries

High ionic conductivity,good electrochemical stability,and satisfactory mechanical property are the crucial factors for polymer solid state electrolytes.Herein,fast ion conductor LiAlSiO_4(LASO) is incorporated into polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based solid-state electrolytes(SSEs).The SSEs containing LASO exhibit enhanced mechanical properties performance compared to pristine PEO-LiTFSI electrolyte.A reduced melting transition temperature of 40.57℃ is enabled by introducing LASO in to PEO-based SSE,which is beneficial to the motion of PEO chain and makes it possible for working at a moderate environment.Coupling with the enhanced motion of PEO,dissociation of the lithium salt,and conducting channel of LASO,the optimized composite polymer SSE exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 4.68×10^(-4),3.16×10^(-4) and 1.62×10^(-4) S cm^(-1) at 60,50 and 40℃,respectively.The corresponding LiFePO_4//Li solid-state battery exhibits high specific capacities of 166,160 and 139 mAh g^(-1) at 0.2 C under 60,40 and 25℃.In addition,it remains 130 mAh g^(-1) at 4.0 C,and maintains 91.74% after 500 cycles at 1.0 C under 60℃.This study provides a simple approach for developing ionic conductor-filled polymer electrolytes in solid-state lithium battery application.

DEPOLYMERIZATION AND KINETICS OF DEPOLYMERIZATION OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE USING DIBUTYLTIN OXIDE CATALYST

Depolymerization of poly（ethylene terephthalate） （PET） was performed in the tubular bomb microreactor which contained the solution of PET in methanol and dibutyltin oxide at the temperature ranging from 433 K to 473 K, the reaction time from 5 to 45 min and the catalyst-to-PET ratio of 0.3%-2% by weight. The optimal condition for PET depolymerization catalyzed by dibutyltin oxide is the temperature of 443-453 K, the reaction time of 20-25 min and 0.8% by weight of catalyst. By using differential methods, the activation energy for the depolymerization process was found to be 154.05 kJ/mol in the temperature range from 433-463 K.

Polyethylene glycol radical-initiated aerobic propargylic oxidation in dense carbon dioxide

The selective aerobic oxidation of alkynes to corresponding α,β-acetylenic ketones was achieved in polyethylene glycol/dense CO2/O2 biphasic system without any catalyst or additive. The effects of reaction parameters, e.g. temperature, CO2 pressure, PEG molecular weight and loading on the reaction were carefully examined. Moreover, various substrates worked well in the presence of PEG 1000 under 5 MPa of CO2 and 2 MPa of O2 at 100 ℃ for 12 to 24 h and acceptable yield and selectivity could be obtained in most cases. Preliminary mechanistic investigations were also discussed.

Pediatric bowel preparation: Sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, citric acid vs polyethylene glycol, a randomized trial

BACKGROUND Bowel preparation in children can be challenging.AIM To describe the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid(SPMC) bowel preparation in children.METHODS Phase 3, randomized, assessor-blinded, multicenter study of low-volume, divided dose SPMC enrolled children 9-16 years undergoing elective colonoscopy. Participants 9-12 years were randomized 1:1:1 to SPMC ? dose × 2, SPMC 1 dose × 2, or polyethylene glycol(PEG). Participants 13-16 years were randomized 1:1 to SPMC 1 dose × 2 or PEG. PEG-based bowel preparations were administered per local protocol. Primary efficacy endpoint for quality of bowel preparation was responders(rating of ‘excellent' or ‘good') by modified Aronchick Scale. Secondary efficacy endpoint was participant's tolerability and satisfaction from a 7-item questionnaire. Safety assessments included adverse events(AEs) and laboratory evaluations.RESULTS 78 participants were randomized, 48 were 9-12 years, 30 were 13-16 years. For the primary efficacy endpoint in 9-12 years, 50.0%, 87.5%, and 81.3% were responders for SPMC ? dose × 2, SPMC 1 dose × 2, and PEG groups, respectively. Responder rates for 13-16 years were 81.3% for SPMC 1 dose × 2 and 85.7% for PEG. Overall, 43.8% of participants receiving SPMC 1 dose × 2 reported it was ‘very easy' or ‘easy' to drink, compared with 20.0% receiving PEG. Treatment-emergent AEs were reported by 45.5% of participants receiving SPMC 1 dose × 2 and 63.0% receiving PEG.CONCLUSION SPMC was an efficacious and safe for bowel preparation in children 9-16 years, with comparable efficacy to PEG. Tolerability for SPMC was higher compared to PEG.

Ionic conductivity study on electron beam irradiated polyacrylonitrile-polyethylene oxide gel

Different mass percent polyacrylonitrile （PAN）-polyethylene oxide （PEO） gels were prepared and irradiated by an electron beam （EB） with energy of 1.0 MeV to the dose ranging from 13 kGy to 260 kGy. The gels were analysed by using Fourier transform infrared spectrum, gel fraction and ionic conductivity （IC） measurement. The results show that the gel is crosslinked by EB irradiation, the crosslinking degree rises with the increasing EB irradiation dose （ID） and the mass percents of both PAN and PEO contribute a lot to the crosslinking; in addition, EB irradiation can promote the IC of PAN-PEO gels. There exists an optimum irradiation dose, at which the IC can increase dramatically. The IC changes of the PAN-PEO gels along with ID are divided into three regions： IC rapidly increasing region, IC decreasing region and IC balanced region. The cause of the change can be ascribed to two aspects, gel capturing electron degree and crosslinking degree. By comparing the IC-ID curves of different mass percents of PAN and PEO in gel, we found that PAN plays a more important role for gel IC promotion than PEO, since addition of PAN in gel causes the IC-ID curve sharper, while addition of PEO in gel causes the curve milder.

Analytical method development of pregabalin and related substances in extended release tablets containing polyethylene oxide

Pregabalin,(S)-3-amino methyl hexanoic acid,is a structural analogue ofγ-amino butyric acid(GABA)which has been widely used to treat partial seizures and neuropathic pain[1].It is soluble in aqueous solution and sparingly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol,DMSO and DMF.Polyethylene oxide(PEO)has a strong negative effect on analysis of hydrophilic active ingredient and its relative substances due to extremely high viscosity of PEO in aqueous media.The aim of this study is to develop a fast and precise method for the determination of pregabalin and its relative substances in extended release tablets including PEO using sodium sulfate for the treatment of sample solution.

Flow Curves in the Centered Cylindrical Couette Geometry of a Polyethylene Oxide Solution

Polyethylene oxide solutions have a behavioral flexibility that provides researchers with the opportunity to use constitutive law models in a variety of ways for their MRI characterization. Our results obtained in numerical simulation carried out in 2D and 3D for speed profiles of a solution of PEO deployed by the simple method of the cylindrical Couette geometry considering the fluid Newtonian defect, allowed to identify the behavior of fluid complex (rheo-fluidifying threshold fluid). The relevance and the interest of the method are examined by analyzing these results generated by the numerical data obtained, since these profiles depend on the non-Newtonian properties of the fluid which one does not know a priori and which one seeks to measure by postulating first to the power law of Ostwald, then to the truncated power law.

Factors Affecting Fines Flocculation Performance with Cofactor-Polyethylene Oxide

In literature, neutral polyethylene oxide (PEO) flocculated fines at low shear rates, while with cofactor (CF) addition, the formed CF-PEO complex showed larger ability to bridge fines, producing flocs. In this work, some process factors were found having significant effects on fines flocculation. Increases in CF to PEO ratio at constant PEO enhanced the bridging bonds, causing increases in flocculation initial rate (efficiency), amplitude (floc size), and fastness (a decrease in characteristic time). On the other hand, an increase in stirring rate (shear rate) in flocculation vessel caused decreases in initial rate and amplitude, and an increase in the fastness. All runs showed transient flocculation;the amplitude increased with time, reached maximum at equilibrium, and then started to decrease showing deflocculation. In brief, the CF to PEO ratio and the shear rate were found important parameters in mill operation, having significant effects on flocculation efficiency, fastness, and floc size.

High-Density Polyethylene Based on Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets/Nano-Magnesium Oxide: An Investigation of Thermal Properties and Morphology

In this study, high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet (xGnP) composites reinforced with a 2 wt.% concentration of nano-magnesia (n-MgO) were fabricated using an injection moulding machine. The thermal properties and morphological structures of the composites were investigated. The XRD results showed the peaks of xGnP and n-MgO, where the intensity of the xGnP peaks became stronger with adding increasing amounts of xGnP into the polymermatrix. In terms of morphology, some agglomeration of particles was observed within the matrix, and the agglomeration decreased the thermal properties of the composites. The nanocomposites showed less thermal stability than the pristine polymer. The reduction in the onset temperature compared to that of neat HDPE was attributed to less adhesion between the fillers and the matrix. In addition, the crystallinity was reduced by the addition of fillers.

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC COLORANTS ON PHOTO-INITIATED CROSSLINKING AND PHOTO-OXIDATION DEGRADATION OF POLYETHYLENE AND RELATED MECHANISM

The effects of three organic colorants on photo-initiated crosslinking and photo-oxidation degradation of polyethylene (PE) samples irradiated by microwave excited (MWE) UV lamp in the melt and the related mechanism have been studied by gel content and thermal extension rate determinations,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),mechanical property tests,UV spectroscopy,and light microscope.The data from the gel content and thermal extension rate determinations of photo-crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) sample...

Studies on the Absorption of NO_2 by Polyethylene Glycol and the Oxidizing Properties of the Resulting Absorbent Product

PEG (Polyethylene glycol average molecular weight 300) is used as absorbent of NO2. The absorption efficiency is found to reach up to 97%. The absorbing product, PEG NO2, can be used to cleave benzyl ethers mildly and selectively to benzaldehyde and corresponding fatty alcohols, showing that PEG is a valuable oxidizing agent of benzyl ethers. As a carrier of NO2.PEG can be recovered and utilized repeatedly after the oxidation.

Pseudo-capacitance of ruthenium oxide/carbon black composites for electrochemical capacitors

Hydrous ruthenium oxide was formed by a new process. The precursor was obtained by mixing the aqueous solutions of RuCl3xH2O and NaHCO3. The addition of NaHCO3 led to the formation of an oxide with extremely fine RuO2 particles forming a porous network structure in the oxide electrode. Polyethylene glycol was added as a controller to partly inhibit the sol-gel reaction. The rate capacitance of 530 F·g^-1 was measured for the powder formed at an optimal annealing temperature of 210℃. Several details concerning this new material, including crystal structure, particle size as a function of temperature, and electrochemical properties, were also reported. In addition, the rate capacitance of the composite electrode reached 800 F·g^-1 after carbon black was added. By using the modified electrode of a RuO2/carbon black composite electrode, the electrochemical capacitor exhibits high energy density and stable power characteristics. The values of specific energy and maximum specific power of 24 Wh·kg^-1 and 4 kW·kg^-1, respectively, are demonstrated for a cell voltage between 0 and 1 V.

Polyethylene glycol rinse solution:An effective way to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM: To test whether a new rinse solution containing polyethylene glycol 35 (PEG-35) could prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in liver grafts.

Role of Heating Condition in Polyethylene Behaviors under Nitrogen and Air Atmosphere

Recycle of plastic waste is an indisputable means to alleviate both environment and energy crisis.In this work,effects of heating condition on polyethylene behaviors in nitrogen and air were studied.It was observed that polyethylene behavior was a single step in nitrogen,while the multiple steps occurred in air.According to the weight loss and heat flow curves,polyethylene behaviors in air were divided into three regions:low-temperature(<340 ℃),middle-temperature(340 – 380 ℃) and high-temperature(> 380 ℃) regions.Kinetic analysis revealed that the partial oxidization took the dominance in the low-temperature region,which seldom formed CO and CO_(2);the combustion took the dominance in the middle-temperature region,which was positive to the formation of CO and CO_(2);the pyrolysis was initiated and enhanced in the high-temperature region,which inhibited the formation of CO and CO;.According to the kinetic simulation,a synergistic effect between the pyrolysis and combustion was proposed to account for the acceleration of polyethylene conversion.This work may provide useful information about polyethylene behaviors under heating condition,and help to design and optimize plastic waste incineration process.

Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight on CO_2/N_2 separation performance of poly(amide-12-b-ethylene oxide)/poly(ethylene glycol) blend membranes

Membranes from block copolymer poly(amide-12-b-ethylene oxide)(Pebax1074) and its blends with different molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)(200, 400, 600, 1500, 4600 and 8000) were prepared. The thermal properties and structures of Pebax1074/PEG blend membranes were characterized by DSC and SEM, and the gas permeation properties of CO_2 and N_2 were also investigated at different temperatures. For Pebax1074/PEG blend membranes with low molecular weight PEG(MW≤ 600), higher gas permeabilities than Pebax1074 were achieved. The permeability increased with the increase of PEG molecular weight. The addition of low molecular weight PEG resulted in decrease in activation energy of permeation. For Pebax1074/PEG blend membranes with high molecular weight PEG(MW≥ 1500), due to the melt of PEO phase crystals, the gas permeation properties of blend membranes were temperaturedependent, which could be divided into crystalline region, transition region and amorphous region according to two different transition temperatures. PEG molecular weight and operation temperature determined different gas permeation properties of Pebax1074/PEG blend membranes in three regions. The activation energies of permeation in crystalline region were larger than those in amorphous region.

Effect of Carbon Fillers in Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Matrix Prepared by Twin-Screw Extrusion

Oxidized (GO) and expanded (G-Exp) graphite were employed to prepare composites with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix using masterbatches of polyethylene with different compositions. The materials and a blend of UHMWPE/HDPE were prepared by extrusion and their properties were evaluated. The effect of carbon fillers on the crystalline structure, thermo dynamic-mechanical (DMTA) and thermal properties (melting and crystallization temperatures) of the composites were discussed. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements showed that the addition of masterbatch with GO and G-Exp significantly increased the crystallite size of composites, increasing the temperatures of melting, degradation, glass transition and the degree of crystallinity of polyethylene. DMTA analysis indicated the storage and loss moduli of composites in relation to neat UHMWPE, the blend and UHMWPE/composites. SEM micrographs showed a flatter, continuous and uniform surface meaning a compact lamellar structure. The present work resulted in interesting findings on the effects of GO on the crystalline structures, mechanical and thermal properties of UHMWPE, which can lead to generalizations useful for future work.

Compression Molded Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene-Hydroxyapatite-Aluminum Oxide-Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Composites for Hard Tissue Replacement

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene （UHMWPE） is widely used for articulating surfaces in total hip and knee replacements. In the present work, UHMWPE based polymer composites were synthesized by synergistic reinforcing of bioactive hydroxyapatite （HA）, bioinert aluminum oxide （Al2O3）, and carbon nanotubes （CNTs） using compression molding. Phase and microstructural analysis suggests retention of UHMWPE and reinforcing phases in the compression molded composites. Microstructural analysis elicited variation in densification due to the size effect of the reinforcing particles. The hybrid composites exhibited hardness, elastic modulus and toughness comparable to that of UHMWPE. The interfacial effect of reinforcement phases has evinced the effectiveness of Al2O3 over HA and CNT reinforcements, depicting synergistic enhancement in hardness and elastic modulus. Weak interfacial bonding of polymer matrix with HA and CNT requires utilization of coupling agents to achieve enhanced mechanical properties without deteriorating cytocompatible properties.

Polyethylene Oxide-Coated Electrospun Polyimide Fibrous Seperator for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery

A polyethylene oxide （PEO）-coated polyimide （PI） membrane was prepared by electrospinning method followed by a dip-coating and drying process for high-performance lithium-ion batteries （LIB）. 8emicrystal PEO was covered on the surface of the fibers and partially enmeshed in PI matrix, which formed unique porous structures. The pores with an average size of 4.1 μm and a porosity of 90% served as ion transport channels. Compared with the cell with Celgard 2400 membrane, the half-cell using PEO-coated P1 membrane as a separator exhibits excellent electrochemical performance both at room temperature and at low temperature. The electrolyte uptaking rate of PEO-coated PI membrane was 170% and the ionic conductivity was 3.83 × 10^-3 S cm^-1. PEO-coated PI membrane possessed 5.3 V electrochemical window. The electrode-electrolyte interfacial resistance was 62.4 Ω. The capacity retention ratios with PEO- coated PI membrane were 86.4% at 5 C and 73.5% at 10 C at 25 ℃ and 75% at 5 C at 0 ℃. Furthermore, the cell using the separator demonstrates excellent capacity retention over cycling. These advanced characteristics would boost the application of the PEO-coated PI membrane for high-power lithium ion battery.