Characteristics of soil water repellency after sand dune stabilization in the Tengger Desert

Soil water repellency （SWR） is one of the most important physical properties of soils found all over the world, and it may have significant effects on the eco-hydrological processes of land ecosystems. In this study, the Capillary Rise Method was used to measure the SWR in the artificial vegetation area in Shapotou, located in the southeast area of the Tengger Desert, Ningxia Prov- ince of western China. The variation of the soil water repellency among different minor topographies, different depths and differ- ent particle sizes was analyzed. The results of the study indicate that the SWR shows distinct changes with vegetation restoration, and it increases with an increase in the period of dune stabilization. In the same vegetation area, the SWR of soils in inter-dune depressions or windward slopes is slightly greater than that in crest or leeward slopes. The SWR of 0-3 cm topsoil is significantly greater than that in the 3-6 cm soil layer. The SWR decreases with an increase in grain size and the differences among the SWRs of different sieved soil fractions are found to be significant. There is also a significantly positive correlation between the SWR and the proportion of soils with grain sizes of 0-0.05, 0.05-0.01 and 0.01-0.15 mm, and a significantly negative correlation between the SWR and the propotion of soils with grain sizes exceeding 0.15 mm. The increase of SWR in revegetation areas may depend on the continuous depositing of atmospheric dust on the stabilized dune surface as well as the formation of biological soil crusts, especially on the formation of algal and lichen crusts. Enhanced SWR influences the effectiveness of water use of sand plants in- habiting the sand dunes.

Water Repellency of Cellulosic Fibrous Mats Impregnated with Organic Solutions Based on Recycled Polystyrene

Recycled polystyrene in combination with paraffin wax,alkyd resin,and gum rosin were used as components in formulations to investigate their water repellency when applied to cellulosic filter paper substrates.Polystyrene was used in concentration of 5,10,15 and 20%,alkyd resin and gum rosin of 5%each and paraffin wax of 0.5%.Totally,twenty four water repellent solutions were prepared.Water repellency was evaluated in terms of water absorption of the cellulosic fibrous mats.The relations between retention of solid substances of the formulations and grammage and water absorption of filter paper samples were also determined.The results showed that all the water repellent formulations exhibited a degree of water repellency.Water absorption decreased by increasing the polystyrene concentration in the solution and polystyrene retention by the impregnated filter paper samples.The incorporation of 0.5%paraffin wax improved the hydrophobicity of treated samples.The best of the three water repellent formulations including paraffin wax was found to be the“polystyrene+gum rosin+paraffin wax”solution followed by the“polystyrene+alkyd resin+paraffin wax”and“polystyrene+paraffin wax”solution.The inclusion of 5%gum rosin in polystyrene solutions compared to that of 0.5%paraffin wax was found more effective in almost all cases.

Water Repellency in Calcareous Soils Under Different Land Uses in Western Iran

Soil wettability and water repellency, two important soil physical properties, play an important role in water retention and water conductivity in arid and semi-arid regions. To date, there is a lack of information on soil water repellency in calcareous soils of western lran. In this study, soil water repellency and its affecting factors were studied using 20 soil series collected from Hamadan Province~ western Iran. The effects of soil properties including organic carbon content （SOC）, total nitrogen （TN）, C：N ratio, texture, CaCO3 content, and both fungal and bacterial activities on water repellency were investigated using air-dried, oven-dried and heated soil samples. Water repellency index （WRI） was determined using the short-time sorptivity （water/ethanol） method. To distinguish the actual effects of SOC, a set of soil samples were heated at 300 ~C to remove SOC and then WRI was measured on the heated samples. Relative water repellency index （RWRI） was defined as the change of WRI due to heating relative to the oven-dry WRI value. Results of the WRI values showed that the soils were sub-critically water-repellent. Pasture soils had higher WRI values compared to tilled soils, resulting from high SOC and TN, and high activities of bacteria and fungi. It was observed that SOC, TN, fungal activity, and SOC：clay ratio had significant positive impacts on WRI. Strong positive correlations of RWRI with SOC, TN and fungal activity were also observed. Pedotransfer functions derived for predicting WRI showed that the WRI values had an increasing trend with the increases in fungal activity, salinity, alkalinity and fine clay content, but showed a decreasing trend with increasing bacterial activity.

Morphological basis for the waterproof characteristic of bird plumage

A surface variable, density of water-feather touching points （Dp） was proposed in this paper to express surface property of water repellency of contour feather. Tests in 29 species using breast contour feathers indicated that Dp was small in tericolous species, medium in wading and diving species, large in swimming species, with only a few exceptions. This implied that birds achieve appropriate Dp by optimizing the microstructure of feather to meet the requirement of water repellency. Therefore, Dp was a morphological marker linking structure and function of feather in studies of adaptive evolution of birds.

Interfacial phenomena of water striders on water surfaces: a review from biology to biomechanics

Water striders have intrigued researchers for centuries from the viewpoints of biology to biomechanics. In this review, we introduce the basic theories and techniques of physics and force measurement for biomechanical research into water striders. Morphological and behavioral traits of water striders are summarized and discussed from biomechanical perspectives, along with comparative study. This integrated review also highlights potential directions for studies on water-walking arthropods,which might inspire future biological and biomechanical research.

Novel Waterborne Fluorinated Polyurethane Containing Fluoroalkyl Side Chain:Synthesis,Characterization and Application on Cotton Fabric

A polyether diol poly[3-bromomethyl-3-tridecafluorooctyloxymethyloxetane]glycol(PFBOX 3) was prepared in 91% yield from ring opening polymerization of 3-bromomethyl-3-tridecafluorooctyloxymethyloxetane 2 which was derived from 3,3-dibromomethyloxetane 1 and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanol.The waterborne fluorinated polyurethane FPU was thus obtained by condensed polymerization of PFBOX 3 with isophoronediisocyanate(IPDI).The structure of FPU was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR).FPU showed good thermal stability under 300℃.The surface properties of FPU were studied by applied on cotton fabric.The treated fabric surface showed excellent water repellent property as the contact angle reached 147°.On the other hand,the surface showed slightly oil repellent property as the contact angle for nujol droplet was 126°.

Water Repellent Finishing on Cotton Fabric via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

In order to enhance the water repellence property of cotton fabric, cotton fabric was grafted using hexafluorobutyl methacrylate( HFMT) monomer via atom transfer radical polymerization( ATRP) method. Water repellent cotton fabric was successfully prepared, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy( SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy( XPS). The SEM images of the HFMT-treated cotton displayed significant difference from the untreated one. FT-IR characterization of the HFMTtreated cotton indicated that HFMT was successfully grafted onto the surface of the cotton fabric. XPS analysis indicated that the fluorine element of the HFMT-treated cotton existing on the surface of the cotton fabric. The surface contact angle test as well as the water repellence rating test showed that the water repellence of the HFMTtreated cotton fabric was much better than that of the untreated cotton fabric. The surface contact angle of the HFMT-treated cotton fabric could reach( 132. 4 ± 2. 2) °,and the water repellence rating could achieve grade 3. The washing durability of the HFMT-treated fabric was also investigated. The surface contact angle of the HFMTtreated cotton fabric could reach( 121. 1 ± 2. 1) ° after 20 washing times. Furthermore, the whiteness, air permeability, breaking strength,and breaking elongation of the HFMT-treated cotton fabric decreased slightly compared with the untreated cotton fabric.Finally,cotton fabric with good water repellence property and excellent washing durability could be obtained with little effect on the intrinsic properties of cotton fabric.

Huntsman Textile Effects raises the bar for non-fluorinated durable water repellents

PHOBOTEX~? RSY durable water repellent delivers best-in-class performance to support the industry's shift to non-fluorinated formulations Continuing to lead the textile sector’s transition to more sustainable and eco-friendly business models,Huntsman Textile Effects has introduced the new PHOBOTEX~?RSY non-fluorinated durable water repellent(DWR)that raises the standard for repellency especially on high-performance synthetic textiles.This new product will allow brands and retailers to meet global demand for eco-friendly clothing that require extreme rain-and stain-protection.

Self-Cross-Linked Tannin-Aminated Tannin Surface Coatings for Particleboard

Aminated tannins were prepared by reacting mimosa condensed tannin extract with ammonia yielding the substitution of many,if not all of the tannin hydroxyl groups with–NH_(2)groups.A tannin-aminated tannin(ATT)particleboard coating was then prepared by reacting raw tannin extract with aminated tannin extract and thus cross-linking the two by substituting tannin’s hydroxyl groups with the–NH_(2)groups on the aminated tannin to form–NH-bridges between the two.The resulting particleboard coating gave encouraging results when pressed at 180℃for 3 min.Conversely,the system in which tannin was reacted/cross-liked with urea(ATU)by a similar amination reaction did not perform as well as the ATT system,and this even when a higher curing temperature and longer hot press time were used.In particular its water repellence was worse probably due to the presence of urea and such a system with lower reactivity.Nonetheless,substituting the tannin–OHs with the urea–NH_(2)groups appeared to also take place.ATT gave better results than ATU as regards water repellence and mechanical resistance as shown by the cross cut test.The ATT system was shown to be between 95%and 98%biosourced.The difference appeared to be due,by TMA analysis,to the much faster formation of the ATT hardened network leading to a better cross-linked polymer coating.The chemical species formed for both the ATT and ATU system were studied by MALDI ToF and CP MAS^(13)C NMR.

Flexible Biofoams Based on Furanics and Fatty Acids Esterified Tannin

Water repellant,flexible biofoams using tannin esterified with various fatty acid chains,namely lauric,palmitic and oleic acids,by reaction with lauryl chloride,palmitoyl chloride,and oleyl chloride were developed and their characteristics compared with the equivalently esterified rigid biofoams.Glycerol,while initially added to control the reaction temperature,was used as a plasticizer yielding flexible biofoams presenting the same water repellant character that the equivalent rigid foams.Acetaldehyde was used as the cross-linking agent instead of formaldehyde,as it showed a better performance with the esterified tannin.The compression results showed a significant decrease of the Modulus of Elasticity(MOE)of the flexible foams in relation to that of the rigid foams,confirming their flexible character.The lauryl-and palmitoyl-esterified biofoams presented similar mechanical properties,while the oleyl-esterified biofoam presented different mechanical and morphological result not really showing the expected flexibility.Both the esterified rigid and flexible tannin-based biofoams showed good water resistance and their sessile drop contact angle analysis as a function of time confirmed this characteristic.Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM)analysis showed the flexible foams to present a higher proportion of closed cells than the rigid foams.Conversely,the cells depth of the flexible foams was lower than that of the rigid foam.As regards their thermal resistance,the flexible foams showed a slight loss of mass compared to the rigid ones without glycerol.Both types of foams presented much lower surface friability of non-esterified rigid foams.

Heterogeneity of Physico-Chemical Properties in Structured Soils and Its Consequences

Structured soils are characterized by the presence of inter- and intra-aggregate pore systems and aggregates, which show varying chemical, physical, and biological properties depending on the aggregate type and land use system. How far these aspects also affect the ion exchange processes and to what extent the interaction between the carbon distribution and kind of organic substances affect the internal soil strength as well as hydraulic properties like wettability are still under discussion. Thus, the objective of this research was to clarify the effect of soil aggregation on physical and chemical properties of structured soils at two scales: homogenized material and single aggregates. Data obtained by sequentially peeling off soil aggregates layers revealed gradients in the chemical composition from the aggregate surface to the aggregate core. In aggregates from long term untreated forest soils we found lower amounts of carbon in the external layer, while in arable soils the differentiation was not pronounced. However, soil aggregates originating from these sites exhibited a higher concentration of microbial activity in the outer aggregate layer and declined towards the interior. Furthermore, soil depth and the vegetation type affected the wettability. Aggregate strength depended on water suction and differences in tillage treatments.

Physical properties of soil in Pine elliottii and Eucalyptus cloeziana plantations in the Vhembe biosphere,Limpopo Province of South Africa

Plantation establishment using invasive alien plants is common in South Africa,but the effects of these plants on soil physical properties in the Vhembe biosphere is unknown.In this comparative study,soils underneath Pinus elliottii and Eucalyptus cloeziana were assessed for differences in physical properties compared to soils underneath adjacent natural sites in the Entabeni plantation in the Vhembe biosphere in Limpopo Province,South Africa.Soils were collected from topsoil over 3 months and quantified for gravimetric soil moisture,penetration resistance,soil infiltration,hydraulic conductivity and soil water repellency.For all 3 months,soils from both P.elliottii and E.cloeziana plantations were compact and had low penetration resistance compared to soils from adjacent natural sites.Soil infiltration and hydraulic conductivity were significantly(p\0.05)lower in soils from plantations compared to soils from adjacent natural sites,and more so from the E.cloeziana plantation than from P.elliottii.Soil water repellency was observed in soils from E.cloeziana only in May and June.Soils from the invasive alien tree plantation have decreased soil moisture,infiltration rate,hydraulic conductivity and are compact as well as repellent(only E.cloeziana),all poor soil physical properties.However,this decline in soil physical properties was not uniform between the two invasive alien plantation species;hence we cannot generalize about the effects of invasive alien plantation species on soil physical properties,and further research is required across different ecological regions.

Urethane Modified Hydrophobic Compact Wood Pulp Paper for Oil Spill Cleanup: A Preliminary Study

Oil spills and oil/water wastewater are among the great concerns regarding oil pollution.Existing technologies face many limitations and in some cases are responsible for causing secondary pollution,therefore there is as seek for environmental friendly solutions.Biomass,from which celluloses are highlighted,are being employed for oil/water separation or oil absorbents membranes.Usually,these membranes are obtained by freeze drying of CNF(cellulose nano-fibrils)suspensions followed by chemical modification for hydrophobization,which involves expensive process as chemical vapor deposition and expensive reactants as sylanes,turning these processes hardly scalable.Here,we produced a natural porous structure paper from eucalyptus pulp fibers modified by a dipping and heating process in a blocked diisocyanate solution.After the surface treatment,contact angle with water reached 144°and water absorption reduced seven times,keeping the good oil absorbance.The chemical modification process is simple to be performed and use a very low quantity of reactant estimated to be less than 0.1 wt%based on cellulose.The good mechanical properties of the material allows its use in non usual conditions which can be of great importance depending on the environmental conditions.

Plasma-induced graft polymerization on the surface of aramid fabrics with improved omniphobicity and washing durability

Durable superomniphobic surfaces are desirable for their practical applications,including selfcleaning,non-fouling,protective clothing and the separation of liquids.The plasma-induced polymerization of environmentally friendly C6 from a perfluoralkyl methlacrylate copolymer emulsion,AG-E081,was performed and a durable omniphobic fabric was achieved.C6 is an ecological alternative to C8(eight CF2 groups)fluorinated compounds,and it was thereafter successfully incorporated into aramid fabric to achieve a durable superomniphobic surface.The fabric became water and oil repellent with an extremely high water contact angle of 180°.As tested by the water spray AATCC test and hydrocarbon resistance test,the as-prepared fabric gained 100°(ISO 5)and grade number 4 respectively.Furthermore,the fabrics also showed significantly improved washing durability after ten washing cycles.By scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)tests,it is indicated that the durable superomniphobicity can be attributed to the roughness and activation of the aramid surface by the plasma pre-treatment,which induces more adsorption and chemical graft of the C6 copolymer.

Synthesis and Wetting Behavior of Polyurethanes Containing Polyoxetane Soft Blocks with Semifluorinated and Bromomethyl Side Chains

Polyoxetanes bearing short fluorinated and/or bromomethyl pendant groups were prepared from 3,3-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxymethyl)oxetane and/or 3,3-bisbromomethyloxetane by ring-opening polymerization.A series of novel polyurethanes(PUs)containing polyoxetanes as soft blocks was synthesized by the reaction of polyoxetanes,isophorone diisocyanate(IPDI),and 1,4-butanediol(BD).The thermal properties and wetting behavior of these novel polymers were evaluated using TGA,DSC and contact angle analysis.The cotton fabrics treated with PU3 showed good hydrophobic property,and its contact angle for water was 133°.

Application of Optical Coatings in Automotive Industry

From a production viewpoint , the optical thin films used to transparent substrates such as window glass for automobiles and the coating treatment process are reviewed. The state of the ar t of the technologies, and the problems to be solved and possible solutions ar e discussed. Market trends are forecasted.

Precise Synthesis of Acrylate Copolymer via RAFT Polymerization and Its Application

A series of different sequence structure containing stearyl acrylate (SA) and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) copolymer were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The crystallization property of PHEA-b-PSA, PHEA-b-PSA-b-PHEA, PSA-b-PHEA-b-PSA, PHEA-co-PSA, and PHEA-grad-b-PSA were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The condensed structure of different sequence copolymers were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). A series of copolymers with different sequence structure were coated on the surface of polyester fabric, which can be found that PHEA-b-PSA-b-PHEA block copolymer has good water repellency.

A Novel Aqueous Polyurethane Containing Short Fluoroalkyl Chains:Synthesis and Application on Cotton Fabrics

As very useful superficial mediflcation agents, the common long perfluoroalkyl -- containing agents are facing the ecological problems, such as persistence, bioacumulatlen, and/or toxicity in the environment. In order to overcome the problems, we designed and synthesized a polyether dioi containing short perfluoroaikyl side chains, which was condensed with diisocyanate to form fluorine-containing aqueous polyurethane. This aqueous polyurethane was applied on cotton fabrics by conventional pad-dry-cure process. The treated cotton fabrics showed good water repellent property with the contact angle reached 131°, and also IXBSessed good washing durability.

Synthesis of Novel Fluorinated Acrylate Co-polymers and Their Application on Cotton Fabrics

Two novel fluorinated acrylate monomers 4a and 4b containing perfluorohexyl group were designed and synthesized starting from 4-allylanisole and perfluorohexyl iodide.The monomers 4a and 4b were then copolymerized with octadecyl acrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate by emulsion polymerization to give copolymers PFA 1 and PFA 2 respectively.The co-polymers were characterized by FT-IR and their heat stability was measured by TGA.The surface properties of PFA 1 and PFA 2 were studied by applying on cotton fabrics.The treated cotton fabrics showed good water-repellent property,and the contact angles for water reached 142° for PFA 1 and 136° for PFA 2.

Synthesis and Application of a Novel Perfluorooctylated Citric Acid

A novel perfluorooctylated citric acid was synthesized successfully via allylation of triethyl citrate followed by perfluorocctylation, reduction and hydrolysis. The fabrics treated with this compound showed good oil repellent and moderate water repellent properties： the oil repellent rating and the water repellent score were 6 and 80 respectively. Even after 10 washing cycles, the repellent properties were kept at the same level. The finished fabrics also showed some wrinkle-resistant properties, and the dry wrinkle recovery angle was increased by 53° compared with untreated fabrics. The critical surface energy of the treated fabric surface was 20±1 mN/m. This multifunctional compound also showed good water solubility, which would be beneficial for the environmental protection.