PERVAPORATION PROPERTIES OF PDMS MEMBRANES CURED WITH DIFFERENT CROSS-LINKING REAGENTS FOR ETHANOL CONCENTRATION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Ethanol perm-selective PDMS/PVDF composite membranes were prepared by curing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with various cross-linking reagents,such as tetraethoxylsilane(TEOS),γ-aminopropyltriethoxylsilane(APTEOS), phenyltrimethoxylsilane(PTMOS) and octyltrimethoxylsilane(OTMOS) as well.The cross-linking density and surface properties of the PDMS active layer were adjusted by varying cross-linking reagents.The pervaporation performance of PDMS membranes cured with different cross-linking reagents was investig...

Construction of all-organic low dielectric polyimide hybrids via synergistic effect between covalent organic framework and cross-linking structure

Polyimide(PI)is a promising electronic packaging material,but it remains challenging to obtain an all-organic PI hybrid film with decreased dielectric constant and loss without modifying the monomer.Herein,a series of allorganic PI hybrid films were successfully prepared by introducing the covalent organic framework(COF),which could induce the formation of the cross-linking structure in the PI matrix.Due to the synergistic effects of the COF fillers and the cross-linking structure,the PI/COF hybrid film containing 2 wt%COF exhibited the lowest dielectric constant of 2.72 and the lowest dielectric loss(tanδ)of 0.0077 at 1 MHz.It is attributed to the intrinsic low dielectric constant of COF and a large number of mesopores within the PI.Besides,the cross-linking network of PI prevents the molecular chains from stacking and improves the fraction of free volume(FFV).The molecular dynamics simulation results are well consistent with the dielectric properties data.Furthermore,the PI/COF hybrid film with 5 wt%COF showed a significant enhancement in breakdown strength,which increased to 412.8 kV/mm as compared with pure PI.In addition,the PI/COF hybrid film achieve to reduce the dielectric constant and thermal expansion coefficient(CTE).It also exhibited excellent thermal,hydrophobicity,and mechanical performance.The all-organic PI/COF hybrid films have great commercial potential as next-generation electronic packaging materials.

Cross-Linking of Sago Starch with Furan and Bismaleimide via the Diels-Alder Reaction

This research paper describes the synthesis of thermo-reversible cross-linking of sago starch by grafting a furan pendant group(methyl 2-furoate)onto the starch backbone,followed by a Diels-Alder(DA)reaction of the furan functional group with 1,1′-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)bismaleimide(BM).The proof of principles was provided by FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses.The relevant FTIR peaks are the carbonyl peak(υC=O sym)at 1721 cm^(−1);the two peaks appeared after DA cross-linking,i.e.,at 1510 cm^(−1)(corresponding toυCH=CH BM aromatic rings,stretching vibrations),and at 1173 cm^(−1)(assigned to cycloadduct(C-O-C,δDA ring))while the^(1)H-NMR result shows evidence for the presence of a furan ring in the starch matrices(in the range ofδ6.3-7.5 ppm).The crosslinked starch product is indeed thermally reversible,as is evident from the appearance of exothermal(DA,temperature range of 50℃-70℃)and endothermal(retro DA,temperature range of 125℃-150℃)transitions in the DSC thermograms.This paper not only proves the thermal reversibility but also demonstrates that the final product properties(chemical,morphology,and thermal stability)can be tuned by varying the annealing temperature,BM intake,and reaction time.

Oxidation of Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide from Polymer Flooding Processes Using Fenton Reagents

The degradation of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide(HPAM) found in alkaline/surfactant/polymer flooding sewage was investigated using Fenton-type reagents. Different Fenton reagent treatments for HPAM degradation were compared. The effects of pH, hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)), ferrous ion(Fe^(2+)), and tartaric ion(C_(4)H_(4)O_(6)^(2-)) concentrations were studied. The degradation reaction occurred within a wide range of pH(3–9). The HPAM degradation performance of photo-Fenton processes using solar light and UV were compared with that of the Fenton process. The degradation rate was found to be strongly dependent on the H_(2)O_(2)/Fe^(2+)/C_(4)H_(4)O_(6)^(2-)molar ratio. The HPAM degradation efficiency was 90%, and the chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency was 85%. HPAM could be degraded into a compound with a lower molecular weight, but it was difficult to achieve complete mineralization to CO_(2). The presence of intermediate products hindered further oxidation in the Fenton process.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Residual alkali-evoked cross-linked polymer layer for anti-air-sensitivity LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)cathode

High-energy density lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)with layered high-nickel oxide cathodes(LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2),x≥0.8)show great promise in consumer electronics and vehicular applications.However,LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)faces challenges related to capacity decay caused by residual alkalis owing to high sensitivity to air.To address this issue,we propose a hazardous substances upcycling method that fundamentally mitigates alkali content and concurrently induces the emergence of an anti-air-sensitive layer on the cathode surface.Through the neutralization of polyacrylic acid(PAA)with residual alkalis and then coupling it with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),a stable and ion-conductive cross-linked polymer layer is in situ integrated into the LiNi_(0.89)Co_(0.06)Mn_(0.05)O_(2)(NCM)cathode.Our characterization and measurements demonstrate its effectiveness.The NCM material exhibits impressive cycling performance,retaining 88.4%of its capacity after 200 cycles at 5 C and achieving an extraordinary specific capacity of 170.0 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.Importantly,this layer on the NCM efficiently suppresses unfavorable phase transitions,severe electrolyte degradation,and CO_(2)gas evolution,while maintaining commendable resistance to air exposure.This surface modification strategy shows widespread potential for creating air-stable LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)cathodes,thereby advancing high-performance LIBs.

Exploitation of Fenton and Fenton-like reagents as alternative conditioners for alum sludge conditioning

The use of Fenton＇s reagent （Fe^2＋/H2O2） and Fenton-like reagents containing transition metals of Cu（Ⅱ）, Zn（Ⅱ）, Co（Ⅱ）, and Mn（Ⅱ） for an alum sludge conditioning to improve its dewaterability was investigated. The results obtained were compared with those obtained from conditioning the same alum sludge using cationic and anionic polymers. Experimental results show that Fenton＇s reagent was the best among the Fenton and Fenton-like reagents for the alum sludge conditioning. A considerable effectiveness of capillary suction time （CST） reduction efficiency of 47% can be achieved under test conditions of Fe^2＋/H2O2 = 20/125 mg/g DS （dry solid） and pH 6.0. The observation of floc-like particles after Fenton＇s reagent conditioning of alum sludge suggested that the mechanism of Fenton＇s reagent conditioning was different from that of polymer conditioning. In spite of the lower efficiency in the CST reduction of Fenton＇s reagent in alum sludge conditioning compared to that of polymer conditioning, Fenton＇s reagent offers a more environmentally safe option. Tiffs study provided an example of proactive treatment engineering, which is aimed at seeking a safe alternative to the use of polymers in sludge conditioning towards achieving a more sustainable sludge management strategy.

Studies on New Additions to 5-Methoxy-2 (5H)-Furanone: 1, 4-Addition of Grignard Reagents, and 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Silyl Nitronates

1,4-Addition reaction of Grignard's reagent to 5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone 1 was accomplished. which provided a new possible route for synthesizing beta -alkyl-Y-alkyloxy-Y-butyrolactone. A novel concise method of preparing fused heterocyclic compounds was offered by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of silyl nitronates to 1.

Stereoselective Addition of Organotitanium and Grignard Reagents to 3,5-O-isopropylidene-L-glucurono-γ-lactone

Substituted PhMgX and PhTi(OCHMe2)4MgX react with 3,5-O-isopropylidene-L-glucurono-γ-lactone 4 to give tetrads 5a-e and its stereoisomers 6a-e Tetrads 5a-e are the important intermediates in the synthesis of howiinol Al and its derivatives. The stereoselectivities of substituted PhTi(OCHMe2)4Mg (5a-e:6a-e ratio, 68-72:32-28) were better than those of substituted PhMgX(33-64:67-36) in the reaction. The effects of different substitUted groups and positions (p-Me, m-Me, o-MeO, p-Cl) of the phenyl ring on their stereoselectivies were not significant.

Experimental study on the treatment of rabbit corneal melting after alkali burn with Collagen cross-linking

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Collagen cross-linking on the prevention of melting in rabbit corneas after alkali burn. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into model control group and collagen cross-linking treatment group. The second group of rabbits received collagen cross linked treatment. Both groups were applied with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. The corneas were evaluated for melting, opacity, pathological and immunohistochemistry, record the changes when 28 days after the animals were killed. RESULTS: In the control group, 6 out of 8 rabbits showed corneal melting after injury (14 +/- 4) days, while two corneal perforated. In collagen cross-linking treatment group, one rabbit showed corneal melting after injury 23 days, without corneal perforation; corneal dissolution rate between the two groups was significantly different (P <0.05). Pathological examination suggested that in the treatment group, mild corneal edema, mild damage to collagen fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly less than the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that corneal collagen fibers arranged in neat rows in the control group. CONCLUSION: Collagen cross-linking treatment not only can prevent and delay the corneal melting after alkali burn, but also can reduce the destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the corneal tissue.

A short-term study of corneal collagen cross-linking with hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution in keratoconic corneas

AIM: To report the 3mo outcomes of collagen crosslinking(CXL) with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas with the thinnest thickness less than 400 μm without epithelium.METHODS: Eight eyes in 6 patients with age 26.2±4.8y were included in the study. All patients underwent CXL using a hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution after its de-epithelization. Best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, the thinnest corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were evaluated before and 3mo after the procedure.RESULTS: The mean thinnest thickness of the cornea was 408.5 ±29.0 μm before treatment and reduced to369.8 ±24.8 μm after the removal of epithelium. With the application of the hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution, the thickness increased to 445.0 ±26.5 μm before CXL and recover to 412.5 ±22.7 μm at 3mo after treatment, P =0.659). Before surgery, the mean K-value of the apex of the keratoconus corneas was 57.6 ±4.0 diopters, and slightly decreased(54.7±4.9 diopters) after surgery(P =0.085). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.55 ±0.23 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution, and increased to 0.53±0.26 logarithm after surgery(P =0.879).The endothelial cell density was 2706.4 ±201.6 cells/mm2 before treatment, and slightly decreased( 2641. 2 ±218.2 cells/mm2) at last fellow up(P =0.002).CONCLUSION: Corneal collagen cross-linking with a hypo-osmolar riboflavin in thin corneas seems to be a promising treatment. Further study should be done to evaluate the safety and efficiency of CXL in thin corneas for the long-term.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis comparing modified cross-linking and standard cross-linking for progressive keratoconus

AIM：To compare the effectiveness and safety between modified cross-linking（MC）and standard cross-linking（SC）in mild or moderate progressive keratoconus.METHODS：Eligible studies were retrieved from four electronic databases,including CENTRAL,Clinical Trials gov,Pup Med and OVID MEDLINE.We set post-surgical maximum K value（Kmax）as the primary outcome.In addition,uncorrected and corrected distant visual acuity（UDVA and UDVA）,spherical equivalent（SE）,endothelial cell density（ECD）,central cornea thickness（CCT）and depth of demarcation line（DDL）were Meta-analyzed as secondary outcomes.Mean differences for these outcomes were pooled through either a random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to data heterogeneity.RESULTS：Twenty-four comparative studies either on accelerated cross-linking（AC）compared with SC or on transepithelial cross-linking（TC）compared with SC were included and pooled for analysis.The results indicated that MC was significantly inferior to SC at delaying Kmax deterioration[AC vs SC 0.49（95%CI：0.04-0.94,I2=75%,P=0.03）;TC vs SC 1.15（95%CI：0.54-1.75,I2=50%,P=0.0002）].SE decreased significantly for SC when compared to AC[0.62（95%CI：0.38-0.86,I2=22%,P〈0.00001）].DDL of SC was more significantly deeper than that of TC[-133.49（95%CI：-145.94 to-121.04,I2=33%,P〈0.00001）].Other outcomes demonstrated comparable results between MC and SC.CONCLUSION：SC is more favorable at halting the progression of keratoconus,but visual acuity improvement showed comparable results between MCs and SC.

Corneal collagen cross-linking and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for fungal keratitis in rabbits

AIM： To observe the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in combination with liposomal amphotericin B in fungal corneal ulcers.METHODS： New Zealand rabbits were induced fungal corneal ulcers by scratching and randomly divided into 3groups, i.e. control, treated with CXL, and combined therapy of CXL with 0.25% liposomal amphotericin B（n =5 each）. The corneal lesions were documented with slit-lamp and confocal microscopy on 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after treatment. The corneas were examined with transmission electron microscopy（TEM） at 4wk.RESULTS： A rabbit corneal ulcer model of Fusarium was successfully established. The corneal epithelium defect areas in the two treatment groups were smaller than that in the control group on 3, 7, 14 and 21d（P 〈0.05）. The corneal epithelium defect areas of the combined group was smaller than that of the CXL group（P 〈0.05） on 7 and 14 d, but there were no statistical differences on 3, 21 and 28 d. The corneal epithelium defects of the two treatment groups have been healed by day 21. The corneal epithelium defects of the control group were healed on 28 d. The diameters of the corneal collagen fiber bundles（42.960 ±7.383 nm in the CXL group and 37.040±4.160 nm in the combined group） were thicker than that of the control group（24.900±1.868 nm）,but there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Some corneal collagen fiber bundles were distorted and with irregular arrangement, a large number of fibroblasts could be seen among them but no inflammatory cells in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION： CXL combined with liposomal amphotericin B have beneficial effects on fungal corneal ulcers. The combined therapy could alleviate corneal inflammattions, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of disease.

Vilsmeier Haack Adducts as Effective Reagents for Regioselective Nitration of Aromatic Compounds under Conventional and Non-Conventional Conditions

Nitration of aromatic Compounds is triggered by Vilsmeier-Haack reagent (DMF/POCl3) or (DMF/SOCl2) in the presence of KNO3 or NaNO2 under conventional and non-conventional conditions. The reactions af- forded corresponding Nitro derivatives in very good yield with high regioselectivity. The results obtained in non-conventional methods (Micro wave irradiation, Grinding, Sonication) are comparable with those ob- tained under conventional conditions, but the reaction times of former conditions are substantially shorter than that of the latter.

Radiation-induced cross-linking:a novel avenue to permanent 3D modification of polymeric membranes

Membrane fouling is always the biggest problem in the practice of membrane separation technologies,which strongly impacts their applicability,separation efficiency,cost effectiveness,and service lifespan.Herein,a simple but effective 3D modification approach was designed for permanently functionalizing polymeric membranes by directly cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)under gamma-ray irradiation at room temperature without any additives.After the modification,a PVA layer was constructed on the membrane surface and the pore inner surface of polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)membranes.This endowed them with good hydrophilicity,low adsorption of protein model foulants,and easy recoverability properties.In addition,the pore size and distribution were customized by controlling the PVA concentration,which enhanced the rejection ability of the resultant membranes and converted them from microfiltration to ultrafiltration.The crosslinked PVA layer was equipped with the resultant membranes with good resistance to chemical cleaning by acidic,alkaline,and oxidative reagents,which could greatly prolong the membrane service lifetime.Furthermore,this approach was demonstrated as a universal method to modify PVDF membranes with other hydrophilic macromolecular modifiers,including polyethylene glycol,sodium alginate,and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.This modification of the membranes effectively endowed them with good hydrophilicity and antifouling properties,as expected.

A Facile Route for the Large Scale Fabrication of Graphene Oxide Papers and Their Mechanical Enhancement by Cross-linking with Glutaraldehyde

A facile route for the large scale production of graphene oxide(GO) papers and their mechanical enhancement has been presented in this work. The novel paper-like GO made from individual GO sheets in aqueous suspension can be achieved in large scale by a simple drop casting method on hydrophobic substrates.Significant enhancement in mechanical stiffness(341%) and fracture strength(234%) of GO paper have been achieved upon modification with a small amount(less than 10 wt%) of glutaraldehyde(GA). The cross-linking reaction takes place between hydroxyl groups on the surface of GO and aldehyde groups of GA, through forming hemiacetal structure, which can result in distinct mechanical enhancement of the GO papers.

Comparison of corneal biological parameters between transepithelial and epithelium-off corneal cross-linking in keratoconus

AIM:To evaluate the differences in corneal biological parameters between transepithelial and epithelium-off corneal cross-linking in keratoconus.METHODS:In our prospective clinical trial,40 patients(60 eyes)with progressive keratoconus were randomized to undergo corneal cross-linking with transepithelial(TE group,n=30)or epithelium-off(EO group,n=30)keratoconus.Examinations comprised topography,corneal biomechanical analysis and specular microscopy at 6 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:The keratometer values were not significantly different between the TE and EO corneal cross-linked groups in different periods(each P>0.05).The corneal thickness of the EO group was greater than that of the TE group at 1 wk after the operation(each P<0.05).Regarding corneal biomechanical responses,the EO group showed a longer second applanation length than TE group(P=0.003).Regarding the corneal endothelial function,standard deviation of the endothelial cell size,and coefficient of variation in the cell area,the values of EO group were larger than those of TE group at 1 wk(P=0.011,0.026),and the percentage of hexagonal cells in EO group was lower than that in TE group at 1 and 6 mo(P=0.018,0.019).CONCLUSION:Epithelium-off corneal cross-linking may strengthen corneal biomechanics better than TE procedure can.However,the TE procedure with a lower ultraviolet-A irradiation intensity would be safer for corneal endothelial function.

Nickel (Ⅱ) Complex Catalyzed Conjugate Addition Reaction of Functionalized Organozinc Reagents to α,β-Unsaturated Esters

Functionalized organozinc reagents can easily under 1, 4-addition reaction withunsaturated esters in the presence of catalytic amount of Ni (acac)_2 and tertiary ammes under verymild conditions to give the products in excellent yields.

Influence of the Precipitating Reagents and Dispersants on the Formation Nano-Aluminum Hydroxide

The influence of the precipitating reagents and dispersants on the formation of nano-aluminum hydroxide from sodium aluminate solution by chemical precipitation was investigated. The influence of the dispersed seeds on the decomposi-tion process was investigated too. The alkaline aluminate solutions were used as original solutions with a concentration of Al2O3 having 14.78 g/dm3, αk—1.6 and127 g/dm3, αk—1.6. For the precipitation processes there were used follow-ing precipitating reagents—solutions HCl, NaHCO3 and NH4HCO3 with a concentration of 80 g/dm3, dispersants—PEG 6000, (NaPO3)6 and Tween 20. For the decomposition process the dispersed seeds and factories seeds were used. Structural studies of the aluminum hydroxide particles were carried out by means of the electron-probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy, and phase composition of products was determined by means of X-ray diffraction analysis. Ammonium bicarbonate and Tween 20 were determined as the optimal precipitating reagent and dispersant, correspondingly, resulting in dispersed aluminum hydroxide, which is used as a seed in the decomposition process. It was established that this product in form of dispersed seed considerably reduces the duration of the decomposition process;the maximal decomposition of solution (73.9%) was observed after injection of dispersеd aluminum hydroxide into solution. The final aluminum hydroxide having 90% of particles less than 100 nanometers was obtained within 7 hours of steady decreasing temperature from 70°C to 48°C.

Investigation of the efficiency of intrastromal ring segments with cross-linking using different sequence and timing for keratoconus

· AIM: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and stability of intrastromal corneal ring segment(ICRs)implantation with cross-linking(CXL) using different sequence and timing.· METHODS: In this single retrospective study, 86 keratoconic eyes subjected the ICRs implantation. We analyzed only 41 eyes that had complete follow-ups.They were divided into three groups: ICRs implantation was applied only(group normal), ICRs first followed by CXL immediately(group CXL-S), CXL first followed by ICRs long after(group CXL-B). The visual acuity,refractive results, keratometry were compared preoperatively and 1y postoperatively. Their differences among the three groups were also analyzed.·RESULTS: Group normal comprised 25 eyes, group CXL-S 8 eyes, and group CXL-B 8 eyes. There were improvements in the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA) and the mean corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA) compared preoperatively and 1y postoperatively [UDVA: 0.31(P =0.030) logarithmic minimum angle of resolution(log MAR) group normal, 0.4(P =0.020) group CXL-S, 0.45(P =0.001) group CXL-B;CDVA : 0. 21 log MAR( P = 0. 013) group normal, 0. 30(P =0.036) group CXL-S; 0.26(P =0.000) group CXL-B].The refractive and topographic outcomes also showed improvements. In terms of comparisons among the three groups, all the P values were above 0.05, showing no significant difference. But only group CXL-B had improvement in UDVA and CDVA for all the patients.·CONCLUSION: With safety and good visual outcomes,ICRs implantation is a viable alternative for keratoconus.No significant difference was found among these three groups.