STUDY ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE/POLYSTYRENE BLENDS BY ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANALYSIS

The morphology of polyvinyl chloride/polystyrene (PVC/PS) blend samples with different mass ratios, prepared by means of solution casting and melt mixing, have been successfully examined by electron microprobe analysis (EMP). This experiment was performed in a scanning electron microscope attached to an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. Differential scanning calorimetry was also used to investigate the phase separation of the blends. The results show that PVC and PS are incompatible and the blends have sea-islands phase structures. Blends prepared via melt mixing have finer phase-dispersion than those prepared via solution casting.

Lateral earth pressure of granular backfills on retaining walls with expanded polystyrene geofoam inclusions under limited surcharge loading

Existing studies have focused on the behavior of the retaining wall equipped with expanded polystyrene(EPS)geofoam inclusions under semi-infinite surcharge loading rather than limited surcharge loading.In this paper,the failure mode and the earth pressure acting on the rigid retaining wall with EPS geofoam inclusions and granular backfills(henceforth referred to as EPS-wall),under limited surcharge loading are investigated through two-and three-dimensional model tests.The testing results show that different from the sliding of almost all the backfill in the EPS-wall under semi-infinite surcharge loading,only an approximately triangular backfill slides in the wall under limited surcharge loading.The distribution of the lateral earth pressure on the EPS-wall under limited surcharge loading is non-linear,and the distribution changes from the increase of the wall depth to the decrease with the increase of the limited surcharge loading.An approach based on the force equilibrium of a differential element is developed to predict the lateral earth pressure behind the EPS-wall subjected to limited surcharge loading,and its performance was fully validated by the three-dimensional model tests.

Chloride ion battery:A new emerged electrochemical system for next-generation energy storage

In the scope of developing new electrochemical concepts to build batteries with high energy density,chloride ion batteries(CIBs)have emerged as a candidate for the next generation of novel electrochemical energy storage technologies,which show the potential in matching or even surpassing the current lithium metal batteries in terms of energy density,dendrite-free safety,and elimination of the dependence on the strained lithium and cobalt resources.However,the development of CIBs is still at the initial stage with unsatisfactory performance and several challenges have hindered them from reaching commercialization.In this review,we examine the current advances of CIBs by considering the electrode material design to the electrolyte,thus outlining the new opportunities of aqueous CIBs especially combined with desalination,chloride redox battery,etc.With respect to the developing road of lithium ion and fluoride ion batteries,the possibility of using solid-state chloride ion conductors to replace liquid electrolytes is tentatively discussed.Going beyond,perspectives and clear suggestions are concluded by highlighting the major obstacles and by prescribing specific research topics to inspire more efforts for CIBs in large-scale energy storage applications.

Strategies of selective electroreduction of aqueous nitrate to N_(2) in chloride-free system:A critical review

Electroreduction of nitrate has been gaining wide attention in recent years owing to it's beneficial for converting nitrate into benign N_(2) from the perspective of electrocatalytic denitrification or into value-added ammonia from the perspective of electrocatalytic NH_(3) synthesis.By reason of the undesired formation of ammonia is dominant during electroreduction of nitrate-containing wastewater,chloride has been widely used to improve N_(2) selectivity.Nevertheless,selective electroreduction of nitrate to N2 gas in chloride-containing system poses several drawbacks.In this review,we focus on the key strategies for efficiently enhancing N_(2) selectivity of electroreduction of nitrate in chloride-free system,including optimal selection of elements,combining an active metal catalyst with another metal,manipulating the crystalline morphology and facet orientation,constructing core–shell structure catalysts,etc.Before summarizing the strategies,four possible reaction pathways of electro-reduction of nitrate to N_(2) are discussed.Overall,this review attempts to provide practical strategies for enhancing N2 selectivity without the aid of electrochlorination and highlight directions for future research for designing appropriate electrocatalyst for final electrocatalytic denitrifi-cation.

Reversed-Phase-HPLC Assay Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, and Sodium Chlorides in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Drug Solution for Infusion

A rapid, straightforward, sensitive, efficient, and cost-effective reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was employed for the simultaneous determination of Sorbitol, Sodium Lactate, and Chlorides in a drug solution for infusion. Sorbitol, Sodium lactate, and Chloride are all officially recognized in the USP monograph. Assay methods are provided through various techniques, with titrations being ineffective for trace-level quantification. Alternatively, IC, AAS, and ICP-MS, though highly accurate, are costly and often unavailable to most testing facilities. When considering methods, it’s important to prioritize both quality control requirements and user-friendly techniques. A simple HPLC simultaneous method was developed for the quantification of Chlorides, Sorbitol, and Sodium Lactate with a shorter run time. The separation utilized a Shimpack SCR-102(H) ion exclusion analytical column (7.9 mm × 300 mm, 7 μm), with a flow rate of 0.6 mL per min. The column compartment temperature was maintained at 40°C, and the injection volume was set at 10 μL, with detection at 200 nm. All measurements were conducted in a 0.1% solution of phosphoric acid. The analytical curves demonstrated linearity (r > 0.9999) in the concentration range of 0.79 to 3.8 mg per mL for Sodium Lactate (SL), 0.16 to 0.79 mg per mL for Sodium Chloride (SC), and 1.5 to 7.2 mg per mL for Sorbitol. Validation of the developed method followed the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH Q2B) and USP. The method exhibited precision, robustness, accuracy, and selectivity. In accelerated stability testing over 6 months, no significant variations were observed in organoleptic analysis and pH. Consequently, the developed method is deemed suitable for routine quality control analyses, enabling the simultaneous determination of Sodium Lactate, Sodium Chloride, and Sorbitol in pharmaceutical formulations and infusions.

Effect of Modification Treatment on Chloride Ions Permeability and Microstructure of Recycled Brick-mixed Aggregate Concrete

The modification methods of pozzolan slurry combined with sodium silicate and silicon-based additive were respectively adopted to treat recycled coarse brick-mixed aggregate(RCBA)in this study.The compressive strength and chloride permeability resistance of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)before and after modification treatment were tested,and the microstructure of RAC was analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The results show that the physical properties of RCBA strengthened by modification treatment are improved,and the compressive strength and chloride permeability resistance of treated RAC are also significantly improved.The modification treatment optimizes the pore size distribution of RAC,which increases the number of gel pores and transition pores,and decreases the number of capillary pores and macro pores.The surface fractal dimension shows a significant correlation with chloride diffusion coefficient,indicating that the variation of chloride permeability of treated RAC is consistent with the microstructure evolution.

Coupling Effect of Cryogenic Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Chloride Ion Erosion Effect in Pre-Cracked Reinforced Concrete

Chloride (Cl−) ion erosion effects can seriously impact the safety and service life of marine liquefied natural gas(LNG) storage tanks and other polar offshore structures. This study investigates the impact of different low-temperaturecycles (20°C, –80°C, and −160°C) and concrete specimen crack widths (0, 0.3, and 0.6 mm) on the Cl−ion diffusion performance through rapid erosion tests conducted on pre-cracked concrete. The results show thatthe minimum temperature and crack width of freeze-thaw cycles enhance the erosive effect of chloride ions. TheCl− ion concentration and growth rate increased with the increasing crack width. Based on the experimental modeland in accordance with Fick’s second law of diffusion, the Cl− ion diffusion equation was modified by introducingcorrection factors in consideration of the freeze-thaw temperature, crack width, and their coupling effect.The experimental and fitting results obtained from this model can provide excellent reference for practical engineeringapplications.

Experimental investigation of the inhibition of deep-sea mining sediment plumes by polyaluminum chloride

Deep-sea sediment disturbance may occur when collecting polymetallic nodules,resulting in the creation of plumes that could have a negative impact on the ecological environment.This study aims to investigate the potential solution of using polyaluminum chloride(PAC)in the water jet.The effects of PAC are examined through a self-designed simulation system for deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection and sediment samples from a potential deep-sea mining area.The experimental results showed that the optimal PAC dose was found to be 0.75 g/L.Compared with the test conditions without the addition of PAC,the presence of PAC leads to a reduction in volume,lower characteristic turbidity,smaller diffusion velocity,and shorter settling time of the plume.This indicates that PAC inhibits the entire development process of the plume.The addition of PAC leads to the flocculation of mm-sized particles,resulting in the formation of cm-sized flocs.The flocculation of particles decreases the rate of erosion on the seabed by around 30%.This reduction in erosion helps to decrease the formation of plumes.Additionally,when the size of suspended particles increases,it reduces the scale at which they diffuse.Furthermore,the settling velocity of flocs(around 10^(-2) m/s)is much higher that of compared to sediment particles(around 10^(-5) m/s),which effectively reduces the amount of time the plume remains in suspension.

Study of the Conversion of Postconsumer Polystyrene on CeO2/HZSM-5 Type Materials

The catalytic conversion of polystyrene (PS) was studied in the presence of the materials type HZSM-5, CeO2, 10% CeO2/HZSM-5 and 20% CeO2/HZSM-5, which were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption at 77K. The catalytic tests were performed via thermogravimetric analysis (TG) at heating rates of 5, 10 and 20˚C min−1 in a temperature range from 30˚C to 900˚C. For the tests, a ratio of 30% by mass of each catalytic material mixed with PS was used and the activation energy of the degradation process was determined by the Vyazovkin method. The obtained results showed that the addition of the catalyst to the PS in general reduced its degradation temperature. The 10% CeO2/HZSM-5 catalyst showed greater efficiency, as it resulted in lower activation energy for PS degradation. Thus, the combination of CeO2 with HZSM-5 resulted in materials with potential for application in the catalytic degradation of polystyrene and the results indicate that the production of a composite material can be a good strategy to generate an increase in catalytic activity and a decrease in energy process activation.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Effectiveness of Sodium Silicate on the Corrosion Protection of AA7075-T6 Aluminium Alloy in Sodium Chloride Solution

The influence of sodium silicate on the corrosion behaviour of aluminium alloy 7075-T6 in 0.1 M sodium chloride solution was studied by open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the AA7075-T6 surface. Silicate can significantly reduce corrosion deterioration and the inhibition efficiency increases with the concentration of Na2SiO3. The corrosion inhibition mechanism involves the formation of a protective film over the alloy surface by adsorption of aluminosilicate anions from solution, as has also been suggested by others in literature.

POLYMER-SUPPORTED LEWIS ACID CATALYSTS. Ⅵ. POLYSTYRENE-BONDED STANNIC CHLORIDE CATALYST

A polystyrene-bonded stannic chloride catalyst was synthesized by the method of lithium polystyryl combined with stannic chloride. This catalyst is a polymeric organometallic compound containing 0.25 mmol Sn (Ⅳ)/g catalyst. The catalyst showed sufficient stability and catalytic activity in organic reaction such as esterification, acetalation and ketal formation, and it could be reused many times without losing its catalytic activity.

Phase Regulation and Defect Passivation Enabled by Phosphoryl Chloride Molecules for Efficient Quasi‑2D Perovskite Light‑Emitting Diodes

Quasi-2D perovskites have attracted tremendous interest for application as lightemission layers in light-emitting diodes(LEDs).However,the heterogeneous n phase and non-uniform distribution still severely limit the further development of quasi-2D perovskite LEDs(Pero-LEDs).Meanwhile,the increased defect density caused by the reduced dimension and grain size induces non-radiative recombination and further deteriorates the device performance.Here,we found that a series of molecules containing phosphoryl chloride functional groups have noticeable enhancement effects on the device performance of quasi-2D Pero-LEDs.Then,we studied the modification mechanism by focusing on the bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride(BOPCl).It is concluded that the BOPCl can not only regulate the phase distribution by decreasing the crystallization rate but also remain in the grain boundaries and passivate the defects.As a result,the corresponding quasi-2D Pero-LEDs obtained a maximum external quantum efficiency(EQE_(max))of 20.82%and an average EQE(EQE_(ave))of around 20%on the optimal 50 devices,proving excellent reproducibility.Our work provides a new selection of molecular types for regulating the crystallization and passivating the defects of quasi-2D perovskite films.

Estimating Evapotranspiration Using Chloride Mass Balance in a New Mexico Paired Basin Study 2009-2019

A paired basin study in the upper Santa Fe River watershed following forest thinning and prescribed burns successfully measured water budget components in a treated and an untreated (control) basin. The paired basin study was established to investigate questions that have arisen regarding changes in water yield from forest treatments. Precipitation, stream flow, soil moisture, and chloride concentrations in precipitation and stream flow were measured to quantify the water budget components. The results from eleven years of data collection and analysis have a high degree of confidence with respect to measuring the water budget components based on the mass balance of water and chloride. The differences in the geologic structure and topography between the two paired basins appeared to impact the water budgets more than the forest treatments, except during periods when winter precipitation and snowmelt represented a significant component of inflow. Although this paired basin study was not able to portray a simple relationship between forest thinning and water yield, the chloride concentration methodology used to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) was successful. These detailed observations of chloride deposition and transport characteristics may be relevant for other researchers working in forested basins with substantial ET. ET rates were estimated by examining the cycle of chloride entering and exiting each basin over six integration periods. ET was estimated to be about 90% to 94% of precipitation in the treated basin and 77% to 86% in the control basin. The higher ET in the treated basin both before and after forest treatments may be due to the much greater area of west-facing hillslopes in the treated basin, which receive warm afternoon sun, and the greater area of rock cover in the control basin. Variation in the chloride concentration of collected precipitation samples from different sites indicates that horizontal precipitation of chloride in the tree canopy is an important consideration when using the chloride mass balance approach to calculate water budget components.

Analyzing Precipitation Acidity Changes Post Train Derailment and Vinyl Chloride Release in East Palestine, Ohio: Exploring Biomedical and Environmental Ramifications

This study investigates the aftermath of a significant train derailment and vinyl chloride release incident in East Palestine, Ohio, with a particular focus on the analysis of precipitation acidity changes and the concentration of vinyl chloride in samples. The research seeks to elucidate the complex relationship between industrial accidents, atmospheric chemistry, and their potential implications for human health and the environment. Through meticulous examination of variations in precipitation acidity patterns, this study provides valuable insights into the dispersion and impact of toxic agents in the environment following industrial mishaps. The results underscore the intricate interplay between these factors, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach that bridges the realms of environmental science and biomedical concerns. This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge that addresses the broader consequences of industrial incidents on public health. It underscores the importance of proactive measures, such as enhanced monitoring and surveillance, risk assessment, public education, and regulatory reform, to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with industrial activities involving hazardous materials. By fostering collaboration between experts and stakeholders, this study advocates for a holistic approach to safeguarding both our environment and the well-being of communities affected by industrial accidents.

An energetic nano-fiber composite based on polystyrene and 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane fabricated via electrospinning technique

Electrospinning is a simple technique used to fabricate polymeric nano-fibrous membranes.These nano-fibers have found a wide range of valuable applications in the biomedical field.However,it has not been utilized with solid high explosives yet.Herein,the electrospinning technique has been used to fabricate polystyrene(PS)/1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane(RDX)composite nanofibers.The governed electrospinning parameters,voltage,distance from the collector,flow rate,mandrel rotating speed,time,and solution concentration,that greatly affect the morphology of the obtained nanofibers were optimized.The fabricated PS/RDX nano-fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffractometer(XRD),and Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy.The impact and friction sensitivities of PS/RDX were also measured.The thermal behavior of the prepared composite and the pure materials were studied by the thermal gravimetric analysis technique(TGA).SEM results proved the fabrication of PS/RDX fibers in the nano-size via electrospinning.FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the existence of the characteristic functional groups of both PS and RDX in the composite nano-fibers.XRD sharp peaks showed the conversion of amorphous PS into crystalline shape via electrospinning and also confirmed the formation of PS/RDX composite.The PS fibers absorbed the heat and increased the onset decomposition of the pure RDX from 181.5 to 200.7℃in the case of PS/RDX fibers.Interestingly,PS/RDX nano-fibers showed the relatively low impact and friction sensitivities of 100 J and 360 N respectively.These results could introduce PS/RDX nanofibrous composite in the field of explosives detection with high levels of safety.

Ameliorative effects of glycine on cobalt chloride-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats

Background:The important roles of liver and kidney in the elimination of injurious chemicals make them highly susceptible to the noxious activities of various toxicants including cobalt chloride(CoCl_(2)).This study was designed to investigate the role of glycine in the mitigation of hepato-renal toxicities associated with CoCl_(2)exposure.Methods:Forty-two(42)male rats were grouped as Control;(CoCl_(2);300 ppm);CoCl_(2)+Glycine(50 mg/kg);CoCl_(2)+Glycine(100 mg/kg);Glycine(50 mg/kg);and Glycine(100 mg/kg).The markers of hepatic and renal damage,oxidative stress,the antioxidant defense system,histopathology,and immunohistochemical localization of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin(NGAL)and renal podocin were evaluated.Results:Glycine significantly reduced the markers of oxidative stress(malondialdehyde content and H_(2)O_(2) generation),liver function tests(ALT,AST,and ALP),markers of renal function(creatinine and BUN),and decreased the expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)and podocin compared with rats exposed to CoCl_(2)toxicity without glycine treatment.Histopathology lesions including patchy tubular epithelial necrosis,tubular epithelial degeneration and periglomerular inflammation in renal tissues,and severe portal hepatocellular necrosis,inflammation,and duct hyperplasia were observed in hepatic tissues of rats exposed to CoCl_(2)toxicity,but were mild to absent in glycine-treated rats.Conclusion:The results of this study clearly demonstrate protective effects of glycine against CoCl_(2)-induced tissue injuries and derangement of physiological activities of the hepatic and renal systems in rats.The protective effects are mediated via augmentation of total antioxidant capacity and upregulation of NGAL and podocin expression.

A State-of-the-Art Review of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction for Concrete Structures

Electrochemical chloride extraction is a promising technique for the rehabilitation of concrete structures under chloride induced corrosion. This study consists of an extensive literature review of this treatment including application cases. It is found that the rate of chlorides removed is affected by the total charge passed, whereas increasing charge in a range between 1500 to 2000 Ah/m2 increases the amount of chlorides removed and this can be more effective by increasing current density instead of duration of treatment. Bound chlorides are extracted during treatment and, water works better than Ca(OH)2 as an electrolyte, possibly due to modifications on the concrete pore structure. Moreover, ECE is not efficient in repassivate structures but is efficient in its purpose of removing chlorides if treatment setup is well planned, which justifies the need for better international standards on the topic.

The role of SLC12A family of cation-chloride cotransporters and drug discovery methodologies

The solute carrier family 12(SLC12)of cation-chloride cotransporters(CCCs)comprises potassium chloride cotransporters(KCCs,e.g.KCC1,KCC2,KCC3,and KCC4)-mediated Cl^(-)extrusion,and sodium potassium chloride cotransporters(N[K]CCs,NKCC1,NKCC2,and NCC)-mediated Cl^(-)loading.The CCCs play vital roles in cell volume regulation and ion homeostasis.Gain-of-function or loss-of-function of these ion transporters can cause diseases in many tissues.In recent years,there have been considerable advances in our understanding of CCCs'control mechanisms in cell volume regulations,with many techniques developed in studying the functions and activities of CCCs.Classic approaches to directly measure CCC activity involve assays that measure the transport of potassium substitutes through the CCCs.These techniques include the ammonium pulse technique,radioactive or nonradioactive rubidium ion uptakeassay,and thallium ion-uptake assay.CCCs'activity can also be indirectly observed by measuring gaminobutyric acid(GABA)activity with patch-clamp electrophysiology and intracellular chloride concentration with sensitive microelectrodes,radiotracer^(36)Cl^(-),and fluorescent dyes.Other techniques include directly looking at kinase regulatory sites phosphorylation,flame photometry,22Nat uptake assay,structural biology,molecular modeling,and high-throughput drug screening.This review summarizes the role of CCCs in genetic disorders and cell volume regulation,current methods applied in studying CCCs biology,and compounds developed that directly or indirectly target the CCCs for disease treatments.

Ferro-vanadium Slag in Improving Inner Chloride Solidification Rate of Cement Materials

We investigated the effects of ferro-vanadium slag(FVS)as a supplemental cementing material which can dissolve a large amount of active aluminum phases without excessive pretreatment or excitation to enhance the inner chloride solidified rate(CSR)of cement-based materials.Cement-FVS pastes with 0-30%content of FVS was designed,and the CSR was examined.Hydrates at different curing ages were studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and thermo-gravimetric analysis(TGA);hydration heat and^(29)Si nuclear magnetic resonance(^(29)Si-NMR)were tested to analyze the hydration degree of the system;mechanical properties in cement-FVS system were evaluated by compressive strength test,pore structure and the fractal regression.Results revealed that the incorporation of FVS could greatly promote the CSR of cement-FVS system.Compared with the control groups,30%dosage of FVS could increase the CSR by 69%at 3 d,47%at 7d,36%at 28 d and 34%at 60 d.It was demonstrated that the incorporation of FVS could enhance the chemical solidifying ability of chloride,and the main reason was the promoted generation of Kuzel’s salt and the Friedel’s salt in hydrate products,and the enhanced chloride migration resistance capacity by increasing the volume of gel pores in the cement-FVS system.Considering the influence of FVS on strength performance,this paper suggested that the suitable dosage of FVS as a supplemental cementing material was around 10%.The study in this paper might provide one efficient path to promote the chloride solidifying capacity of cement-based material and meanwhile the comprehensive utilization of FVS.