PVA Nanofibers Containing Ofloxacin-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex: Improve Optical Stability of Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic with a wide range of activity against bacterial infections, but due to the high potential for toxicity when exposed to light, resolving this problem and further stabilizing the drug are among the posed challenges. Inclusion complex formation between α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), ofloxacin (OFL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was prepared via two methods to produce nanocontainers with desirable stability. The effect of PEG as compatible solubilizing agent and mixing condition (in ultrasonic bath) were investigated in formation of an inclusion complex between α-CD/OFL. Obtained complexes were examined by FTIR, H-NMR, SEM, EDX and UV which indicated the formation of an inclusion complex between α-CD/OFL, in turn, is a mixture of the cage and channel structures. Differences between 1H-NMR, FTIR and XRD spectra of OFL, CDs and inclusion complex indicated the formation of α-CD/OFL and supramolecular containers in solid phase. These inclusion complexes loaded in PVA-based nanofibers for smart nanofibers with controlled release manner and higher stability of OFL. Obtained nanofiber showed that nanofibers containing CDs/OFL under sonic energy containing higher degree of OFL.

Study of Effects of Low Doses UV Radiation on Microporous Polysulfone Membranes in Sterilization Process

Synthetic membranes have gained an important place in chemical technology and are used in a broad range of applications. UV irradiation is an age old process used for disinfection as well as for sterilization purposes. It is used for sterilizing equipment in which polysulfone (PSf) membranes are used. As a result, short time UV irradiation of polymer membranes has acquired importance in recent times. In the present study, microporous polysulfone membranes with0.108 mmthickness have been prepared using phase inversion method. Effect of UV irradiation on the membranes for short time intervals (0 - 60 minutes) has been investigated using UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometer, and SEM. The performance of the membranes has studied by filtration techniques. UV-Vis and IR spectra analysis and SEM images obtained suggest that chains scission and crosslink have occurred simultaneously in the irradiated membranes by UV radiation in a dose dependant manner. The pure water flux (PWF) values of irradiated membranes obtained from filtration studies were higher compared to that of the control membrane. These results show that a very short UV irradiation (2 minutes) affected the physicochemical characteristics of microporous polysulfone membrane which it increases with increase in time.

New Synthetic Route to Copoly(Ester-Thioester)s by Direct Polycondensation of Thio-Acids with Diols of Cycloketones Derivatives

A new series of copoly(ester-thioester)s had been synthesized using direct polycondensation technique. These copolythioesters were synthesized by direct polycondensation of 4,4'-(tereph-thaloyIdithio) diacetic acid I, 3,3'(isophthaloyl-dithio) diacetic acid II, or 1,8 (sebacoyldithio) diacetic acid III, with 2,6-bis(p-hydroxybenzylidene) tert. butyl cyclohexanone IV and 2,6-divanyli-dene tert. butyl cyclohexanone V, using a condensing agent consisting of pyridine-thionyl clhloride complex. The resulting copolymers were characterized by elemental and spectral analyses, solubility, viscometery, electronic spectra and thermogravimietric analyses. The crystallinity of some copolymers was examined by X-ray diffraction analyses. Furthermore, the morphology of selec ted examples of the copolymers was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Synthesis of Branched Polyethylene via Bulky α-Diimine Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Ethylene Chain-Walking Polymerization

The catalysis of olefin polymerization through the chain-walking process is a subject of great interest. In this contribution, the successful synthesis of a Brookhart-type unsymmetrical α-diimine nickel catalyst Ni, which contains both dibenzhydryl and phenyl groups, was determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound has a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry at the Ni center, showing pseudo-C2-symmetry. Upon activation with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), Ni1 exhibits high catalytic activity up to 1.02 × 107 g PE (mol Ni h)−1 toward ethylene polymerization, enabling the synthesis of high molecular weight branched polyethylene. The molecular weights and branching densities could be tuned over a very wide range. The polymerization results indicated the possibility of precise microstructure control, depending on the polymerization temperature. The branching densities were decreased with increasing the polymerization temperature.

Improvement of Asphalt Properties Using Polymethyl Methacrylate

Increasing traffic loading and volumes on roads have led to the use of polymer modified binders to improve the performance of bitumen in terms of strength, durability, and resistance to rutting. This research studies the effect of adding poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) with different molecular weights on asphalt properties. PMMA polymer was prepared via solution polymerization of MMA using dibenzoyl peroxide (DBPO) as initiator. By controlling the time of reaction, two different molecular weights were obtained: PMMA1 and PMMA2 with Mw 21.000 and 30.000, respectively. The morphological studies of polymer modified binder were discussed. Physical properties of PMMA modified asphalt including penetration value, softening point, and kinematic viscosity at 135°C and 150°C were examined. The aging properties of polymer modified asphalts were examined using thin film oven test (TFOT). A hot storage stability test was carried out for polymer modified binder. Indirect tensile strength (ITS) test and durability performance of modified asphalts were evaluated using Marshall Test. Resilient modulus (RM) test was evaluated using Universal Testing Machine. Results showed that the inclusion of PMMA polymer in asphalt binder has significantly improved its properties. The achieved improvement was found to be dependent on polymer molecular weight. Moreover, the results explained that the compatibility between PMMA and asphalt binder is improved upon further aging especially with low molecular weight polymer (PMMA).

Thermal Stability Improvement and Structural Change of Oil Gels Formed by Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Triblock Copolymer Induced by Adding Poly(phenylene ether)

The thermal stability of oil gels formed by styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) was improved by adding a small amount of poly(phenylene ether) (PPE), which has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg). In naphthenic oil which is a good solvent for the butadiene blocks, but a non-solvent for the styrene blocks and PPE, PPE was selectively included into styrene blocks in SBS, and induced the increase of the Tg of these blocks. The melting temperature determined by viscoelastic measurements and softening temperature of the gels were elevated by adding PPE, while no significant change was detected by adding polystyrene. The gel became opaque by adding PPE, and partially separated phases were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The dependence of the viscoelastic behavior on the PPE concentration can be explained by the structural change observed by FE-SEM.

Polyfluorene-Polytriarylamine Block Copolymer as an Additive for Electroluminescent Devices Based on Polymer Blends

Electroluminescent characteristics were investigated for the blue emitting devices fabricated with the blend systems consisting of hole transporting polytriarylamine (PTAA), electron transporting polyfluorene (PF), and a block copolymer with both segments (PF-b-PTAA) as an active layer in order to elucidate the relationship between the chemical nature and morphology of the active layer, and EL performance. The addition of PF-b-PTAA to PF homopolymer afforded the hole injecting and/or electron blocking ability to increase the efficiency. The addition to PF/PTAA blend keeping the chemical composition constant also improved the performance by controlling the morphology and/or the domain size in phase-separated films.

Biodegradable Colour Polymeric Film (Starch-Chitosan) Development: Characterization for Packaging Materials

Biodegradable starch-based chitosan reinforced composite polymeric films were prepared by casting. The chitosan content in the films was varied from 20% to 80% (w/w). Tensile strength (TS) was improved significantly with the addition of chitosan but elongation at break (EB %) of the composites decreased. Tensile strength of the composites raised more with the addition of the acacia catechu content in the films varied from 0.05% to 0.2% (w/w). The better thermal stability of this prepared film was confirmed by thermo-gravimetric analysis. Structural characterization was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface morphologies of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which suggested sufficient homogenization of starch, chitosan and acacia catechu. Water uptake was found lower for final composites in comparison to starch/chitosan and chitosan films. The satisfactory rate of degradation in the soil is expected that the final composite film is within less than 6 months. The developed films intended to use as the alternative of synthetic non-biodegradable colored packaging films.

A Novel Approach of Dyeing Jute Fiber with Reactive Dye after Treating with Chitosan

Jute is generally not dyed with reactive dye though it is a cellulosic fiber. Reactive dye is extensively used to dye cotton, viscose and other cellulosic fibers whereas jute is dyed with basic dye. This paper presents a novel approach to dye the jute fiber with reactive dye after treating with chitosan. Jute fabric was treated with chitosan solution at different con- centrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) and then dyed with reactive dye. The depth and fastness of shade of dyed fabric were analyzed by comparing the chitosan treated samples with untreated dyed fabric samples. It has been found that, the dyebath exhaustion is increased with the increment of chitosan concentrations. The exhaustion percentages have found 36.79%, 41.59%, 48.33%, 54.46% and 58.75% for the fabric treated with 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% chitosan solution respectively, while the exhaustion of dyebath is only 23.15% for untreated fabric. The K/S values (at λmax = 540 nm) of dyed samples have found 4.93, 6.77, 10.5, 14.07, 15.57 and 2.37 for 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and untreated fabric respectively. The color fastness to washing and rubbing of the dyed fabrics was also evaluated. In case of dry rubbing, both types of fabric have shown almost similar fastness ratings. However, chitosan treated fabrics have shown inferior fastness rating in case of wet rubbing and washing, particularly for the fabrics at higher chitosan concentrations.

Preparation Characterization and Thermal Behaviour of Carbopol-TiO₂Nanocomposites

Composites consisting of carbopol (CP) and ceramic titanium dioxide nanoparticles, TiO2 have been investigated. The CP-TiO2, organic-inorganic hybrid composites have been prepared in DMF by heating the mixture with a constant rate of 1。C/min, up to 30。C, 45。C, 60。C, 80。C, 100。C and 120。C. Proprieties such as absorption, structure and external aspect of the obtained materials were investigated by Uv-vis, FTIR, DRX and SEM analyses. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that the TiO2 nanoparticles maintained their original tetragonal anatase-type crystalline structure in the composites. The chemical structure of the obtained materials was determined by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the thermal proprieties of carbopol matrix was investigated using thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the carbopol matrix was considerably increased by the presence of ceramic feller nanoparticles and its thermal stability was significantly improved. Furthermore the water loss which represents 7.56% of the weight loss in pure CP at 100。C was avoided in the CP-TiO2 nanocomposites at this same temperature. This important finding revealed that ceramic fellers blocked the water loss in the modified carbopol nanocomposites, which stayed stable till 200。C.

Dielectric Behavior of Some Vinyl Polymers/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites on the Way to Apply Them as Semiconducting Materials

Some vinyl polymers/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared via in-situ-atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in presence of clay. Methyl methacrylate, styrene and n-butyl methacrylate were involved in the formation of such polymeric nanocomposites. Their dielectric properties were extensively studied to invest them in the a.c. power applications. Several dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant loss (ε") and a.c. conductivity (σ) were measured at both different frequencies (0.1 Hz to 100 KHz) and temperature ranged from (20℃ to 90℃). From the dielectric results, it was realized that the dielectric a.c. conductivity was enhanced by increasing the temperature for the four prepared polymer nanocomposites.

The Effects of Build Parameters and Strain Rate on the Mechanical Properties of FDM 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

In this paper, the effects of build parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM) are investigated. Full factorial experimental design incorporating a 2-level, 3-factor design with raster angle, layer thickness and interior fill style was carried out. Tensile tests were performed at four different strain rates to determine how the build parameters influence the mechanical properties of the 3-D printed ABS and to assess its strain rate sensitivity under quasi-static loading. It was found that the modulus of toughness of ABS material is most influenced by raster angle, while the interior fill style is the most dominant build parameter that dictates the specimen’s modulus of resilience, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. At all strain rates, it is further revealed that higher mean values of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and modulus of resilience were obtained when the interior fill style is solid as opposed to high density. This can be attributed to the denser structure and higher effective cross-sectional area in solid interior fill style in comparison with high density interior fill style. However, the influence of the layer thickness on the investigated mechanical properties was found to be inconsistent. It was noted that specimens built with both 0.254 mm layer thickness and the cross [0°/90°] raster angle had superior mechanical properties when compared to those built with the 0.3302 mm layer thickness and cross [0°/90°] raster angle. This suggests that there is a key interaction between the layer thickness and the raster angle. At any FDM build parameter, it was found that all the mechanical properties investigated in this work exhibited modest sensitivity to strain rates. This study has provided a platform for an appropriate selection of build parameters combinations and strain rates for additive manufacturing of 3D-printed ABS with improved mechanical properties.

Inorganic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer by Sol-Gel Process for Recognition of Caffeine

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was formed using an inorganic polymer by a sol-gel process. The monomers which were used to synthesize the inorganic polymer were tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), triethoxymethylsilane (MTES), and triethoxyphenylsilane (PTES). Caffeine was chosen as a template for the molecular imprinting, and theophylline was chosen as the analogous counterpart compound. The discriminating ability of the synthesized MIP to these two-compounds was estimated in this study. The MIP showed the highest discriminating ability when the ratio of TEOS:MTES: PTES in the synthesis of the inorganic polymer was 1:1:3, the reaction temperature was 50?C, and the pH of the reaction system was ~6.5.

Synthesis, Characterisation and Photoresponsive Studies of Lignin Functionalised with 2-(5-(4-dimethylamino-benzylidin)-4-oxo-2-thioxo- thiazolidin-3-yl)-acetic Acid

A chromophoric system 2-(5-(4-dimethylamino-benzylidin)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-thiazoli din-3-yl)acetic acid with push-pull electron modulation was synthesised and incorporated onto lignin core (technical lignin, lignin sulphonic acid M.W. 52,400) and the photo responsive behaviour was investigated. The product was characterised by UV-visible, fluores-cence, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopic methods. The results of the studies show that the incorporation of the chromo-phoric system on to the lignin core enhanced the light absorption and light stabilization properties of the chromophoric system. The remarkable stability on irradiation provides a novel photo responsive system with excellent light fastening properties which would find application in coating materials, dyes, paints etc.

Degradation of Polymer &Elastomer Exposed to Chlorinated Water—A Review

In water industry, the chlorine is mostly used as a disinfectant agent. The chlorine present in potable water as a disinfectant has been reported to reduce the lifetime of contact polymeric material. This occurs in polymer pipes and it is now very common in plumbing and other parts of the drinking water distribution system. For more than 50 years, Polymer & Elastomeric materials have been used ubiquitously in drinking water distribution systems. Polymer & Elastomeric materials have successfully been used in a variety of applications ranging from rubber gaskets, to valves, to hydrants, to fittings. Polymer & Elastomers that degrade more quickly than expected create service problems, make it difficult for utilities to cost efficient plan preventive maintenance programs, and negatively affect customer relations. This review paper gives an insight idea to a reader about the selection of proper polymer & elastomer and predicting its performance in chlorinated water. Also the mechanism of degradation of Polymer & elastomer in chlorine environment and some model of life expectancy of in-service of Polymer & elastomer in various conditions and parameter in chlorinated water were discussed.

Improved Automotive Fuel Resistance of Natural Rubber/Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Blends by Blending Epoxidized Natural Polymer

The natural rubber (NR) was mixed with chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), due to the difference of polarity in NR and CSM made this blend incompatible and the third component was used. Epoxidzed natural rubber (ENR) was used as a third component. NR/CSM blended with the blend ratio of 50/50 was prepared by using a two-roll mill and vulcanization in a compression mold at 160°C. The ENR content was varied from 1 to 7 phr. The curing characteristics, morphology, mechanical properties, and automotive fuel swelling were investigated. The results indicated that the cure time of the blend rubbers was shorter as adding ENR. The mechanical properties of the blend rubbers were not affected by ENR content. However, automotive fuel resistance of the blend rubbers was found to increase with adding ENR in rubber blend.

Starch Grafted Water Resistant Polyvinyl Acetate-Based Wood Adhesive: A Review

Global energy issues and the reliance on hydrocarbon resources have resulted in the reduction of petroleum sources, and the focus of the chemical industries has shifted to substitute raw material sources. The major raw materials used in wood adhesives, such as hydrocarbons like polyvinyl acetate, would be gradually replaced by renewable natural polymers. Currently, polyvinyl alcohol has the limitation of petroleum origin, which is non-economical and it will be replaced by biopolymers. Conventionally available wood adhesive emulsions are colloid-like polyvinyl alcohol stabilized. Starch, being a naturally available polymer, has gained interest from researchers for replacing polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. New research on sustainable, economical, biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly starch grafted polyvinyl acetate emulsion that was synthesized by the graft polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer onto starch. However, starch grafted polyvinyl acetate emulsion-based adhesive’s properties, such as poor water resistance, weak adhesion, delayed drying rate and delayed setting speed, have resulted in limitations in its application as a wood adhesive. A detailed review of starch grafting on vinyl acetate and comonomers like acrylamides, and acrylic acid, and the addition of nano-fillers to enhance the water resistance and performance properties of sustainable adhesives has been explained.

Copolymers of Aniline with O-Anthranilic Acid: Synthesis and Characterization

Chemical copolymerization of aniline with o-anthranilic acid in aqueous 1 M HCl was carried out at different molar ratios of aniline and o-anthranilic acid, and was characterized by FTIR and UVVisible spectroscopy, elemental analysis and electrical conductivity. From FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy, we observed that o-anthranilic acid had been introduced into the polymer chain successfully. The percent yield of o-anthanilic acid copolymer with aniline decreases as the percent of aniline increases. An increase in the % C can be observed as the amount of o-anthranilc acid in the copolymer decrease or the amounts of aniline increase. Copolymerization of aniline with o-anthranilic acid would improve the resulting polymer via increasing the molecular weight and the conductivity as well.

Modified Vegetable Oil Based Additives as a Future Polymeric Material—Review

Polymeric materials from renewable resources have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. The development and utilization of vegetable oils for polymeric materials are currently in the spotlight of the polymer and chemical industry, as they are the largest renewable platform due to their universal wide availability, ingrained biodegradability, low cost, and excellent environmental aspects (i.e., low ecotoxicity and low toxicity toward humans). These excellent natural characteristics are now being taken advantage of in research and development, with vegetable oil derived polymers/polymeric materials/composites being used in numerous applications including paints and coatings, adhesives, and nanocomposites. The aim of this review paper is to give a fundamental description of the various vegetable oil applications in polymer materials and its recent developments. Particular emphasis will be placed on study and main application of triglyceride based additive for polymer and to give the reader an insight into the main developments is discussed.

The Effect of Inorganic Nanoadditives on the Thermal, Mechanical and UV Radiation Barrier Properties of Polypropylene Fibres

The objective of this study of modified polypropylene (PP) fibres using nanoadditives (nano-CaCO3 and Cloisite 30B) was to determine the influence of these additives on thermal and mechanical properties, but especially on the barrier properties of the nanocomposite fibres against UV radiation. The DSC data obtained from measurements of PP/CaCO3 or PP/C30B nanocomposite fibres were used for determination of the constants n and K of the Avrami equation and in the estimation of other thermal properties of the fibres, such as their crystallization half-time t1/2, rate of crystallization t1/2, the necessary time for maximum crystallization tmax and free energy per unit area of surface in the lamella perpen-dicular to the axis of a high-molecular chain se. The nano-CaCO3 or Closite 30B fillers (pre-treated separately in three different solvents: glycerine, acetone and water) did not influence the melting temperatures but caused an increase in PP crystallization temperatures in comparison with the pure PP fibres. The pre-treatments of nanoadditives resulted in increase of n, K, t1/2 values and decrease of t1/2, tmax as well as the values of free surface energies per unit area of the modified PP fibres. There was also observed a decrease in the mechanical properties, however, there was an increase of barrier properties against UV radiation of nanocomposite PP fibres in comparison with neat PP fibres, which was one of the main objectives of the study.