Search results for: TEM (transmission electron microscopy)
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Removal of lead ions from wastewater using lanthanum sulfide nanoparticle decorated over magnetic graphene oxide
PublicationIn this study, the new lanthanum sulfide nanoparticle (La2S3) was synthesized and incorporated onto magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) sheets surface to produce potential adsorbent (MGO@LaS) for efficient removal of lead ions (Pb2+) from wastewater. The synthesized MGO@LaS adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The...
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Mechanical Properties and Residual Stress Measurements of Grade IV Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-13Nb-13Zr Titanium Alloys after Laser Treatment
PublicationNowadays, surface engineering focuses on research into materials for medical applications. Titanium and its alloys are prominent, especially Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-13Nb-13Zr. Samples made of pure grade IV titanium and the titanium alloys Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-13Nb-13Zr were modified via laser treatment with laser beam frequency f = 25 Hz and laser beam power P = 1000 W during a laser pulse with duration t = 1 ms. Subsequently, to analyze...
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Corrosion Resistance and Surface Bioactivity of Ti6Al4V Alloy after Finish Turning under Ecological Cutting Conditions
PublicationThe influence of cooling conditions and surface topography after finish turning of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy on corrosion resistance and surface bioactivity was analyzed. The samples were machined under dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions to obtain different surface roughness. The surface topographies of the processed samples were assessed and measured using an optical profilometer. The produced samples were subjected...
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Synthesis of Cyano-Benzylidene Xanthene Synthons Using a Diprotic Brønsted Acid Catalyst, and Their Application as Efficient Inhibitors of Aluminum Corrosion in Alkaline Solutions
PublicationNovel cyano-benzylidene xanthene derivatives were synthesized using one-pot and condensation reactions. A diprotic Brønsted acid (i.e., oxalic acid) was used as an effective catalyst for the promotion of the synthesis process of the new starting xanthene–aldehyde compound. Different xanthene concentrations (ca. 0.1–2.0 mM) were applied as corrosion inhibitors to control the alkaline uniform corrosion of aluminum. Measurements were...
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Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Nd-modified TiO2 photocatalysts: Insight into the excitation mechanism under visible light
PublicationTitanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) modified with neodymium (Nd) in the range between 0.1 and 1.0 mol% were prepared via the hydrothermal method. The samples obtained were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence...
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Facile formation of self-organized TiO2 nanotubes in electrolyte containing ionic liquid - ethylammonium nitrate and their remarkable photocatalytic properties
PublicationThe oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTs) are identified as a stable, active and recyclable photocatalytic surface. However, their photoactivity is strictly depended on morphology (especially length), which could be controlled by anodic oxidation parameters, including electrolyte properties. To control the morphology, were successfully synthesized a series of NTs by a novel approach where ionic liquid (IL), ethylammonium nitrate...
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The Influence of Microstructure on the Passive Layer Chemistry and Corrosion Resistance for Some Titanium-Based Alloys
PublicationThe effect of microstructure and chemistry on the kinetics of passive layer growth and passivity breakdown of some Ti-based alloys, namely Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb and TC21 alloys, was studied. The rate of pitting corrosion was evaluated using cyclic polarization measurements. Chronoamperometry was applied to assess the passive layer growth kinetics and breakdown. Microstructure influence on the uniform corrosion rate of these alloys...
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Investigating the Impact of Curing System on Structure-Property Relationship of Natural Rubber Modified with Brewery By-Product and Ground Tire Rubber
PublicationThe application of wastes as a filler/reinforcement phase in polymers is a new strategy to modify the performance properties and reduce the price of biocomposites. The use of these fillers, coming from agricultural waste (cellulose/lignocellulose-based fillers) and waste rubbers, constitutes a method for the management of post-consumer waste. In this paper, highly-filled biocomposites based on natural rubber (NR) and ground tire...
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Scalable Route toward Superior Photoresponse of UV-Laser-Treated TiO2 Nanotubes
PublicationTitanium dioxide nanotubes gain considerable attention as a photoactive material due to chemical stability, photocorrosion resistance, or lowcost manufacturing method. This work presents scalable pulsed laser modification of TiO2 nanotubes resulting in enhanced photoactivity in a system equipped with a motorized table, which allows for modifications of both precisely selected and any-large sample area. Images obtained from scanning...
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Nucleation and growth of CVD diamond on fused silica optical fibres with titanium dioxide interlayer
PublicationNucleation and growth processes of thin diamond films on fused silica optical fibres have been investigated. Fibres were coated with diamond film using microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (µPE CVD) system. Since the growth of diamond on the fused silica glass requires high seeding density, two types of glass pre-treatment were applied: titanium dioxide (TiO2) interlayer deposition and sonication in nanodiamond...
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Bulk-Surface Modification of Nanoparticles for Developing Highly-Crosslinked Polymer Nanocomposites
PublicationSurface modification of nanoparticles with functional molecules has become a routine method to compensate for diffusion-controlled crosslinking of thermoset polymer composites at late stages of crosslinking, while bulk modification has not carefully been discussed. In this work, a highly-crosslinked model polymer nanocomposite based on epoxy and surface-bulk functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed. MNPs were...
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Facet effect of TiO2 nanostructures from TiOF2 and their photocatalytic activity
PublicationIn this study, special attention is focused on the design of TiO2 morphology and microstructure in the two-step preparation procedure using TiOF2 as a precursor to study their photodegradation mineralization efficiency. Firstly, TiOF2 was synthesized by a simple solvothermal method using titanium(IV) tetrafluoride, which was further used as a precursor in preparation of anatase 2D nanosheets, octahedral, decahedral, and rectangular prisms...
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Towards sustainable catalyst-free biomass-based polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC): From valorization and liquefaction to future generation of biocomposites
PublicationA substantial aspect of materials engineering lies in the responsible process of designing polymer-based materials. Due to environmental pollution, excessive consumption of natural resources, and increasing environmental awareness of society, there is a massive need for polyurethane (PU) materials with reduced environmental impact. To date, research on catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) has demonstrated a huge potential...
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Micro- and nano-Illite to improve strength of untreated-soil as a nano soil-improvement (NSI) technique
PublicationSoil stabilization is a technique of improving the geotechnical properties of soils for various engineering applications. However, conventional stabilizers such as cement and lime have some limitations, such as high cost, environmental impact, and durability issues. Therefore, there is a need for alternative and innovative stabilizers that can overcome these challenges. This study introduces nano-Illite, a type of clay mineral,...
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Microstructure and mechanical properties of a dissimilar metal welded joint of Inconel 617 and P92 steel with Inconel 82 buttering layer for AUSC boiler application
PublicationThe application of the novel dissimilar metal welded (DMW) joint, utilizing Inconel 617 and P92 steel, was showcased in the advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boiler. The work has been performed to investigate the effect of Inconel 82 (ERNiCr-3) buttering layer on microstructure and mechanical properties (high-temperature tensile strength, impact strength and microhardness) of gas tungsten arc welded (GTAW) dissimilar joint between...
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Development of Biocompatible Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles as Subcellular Delivery Platform for Glucosamine-6-phosphate Synthase Inhibitors
PublicationNumerous inhibitors of glucoseamine-6-phophate synthase (GlcN-6-P), the enzyme responsible from catalysis of the first step of metabolic pathway leading to metabolism 5’-diphospho-N-acetyl-D- glucosamine, were reported as effective agents for inhibiting the growth of various fungal pathogens. Among the reported inhibitors,...
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Low temperature growth of diamond films on optical fibers using Linear Antenna CVD system
PublicationIt is not trivial to achieve a good quality diamond-coated fibre interface due to a large difference in the properties and composition of the diamond films (or use coating even) and the optical fibre material, i.e. fused silica. One of the biggest problems is the high temperature during the deposition which influences the optical fibre or optical fibre sensor structure (e.g. long-period gratings (LPG)). The greatest advantage of...
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Aluminum-TiO2 NPs Composites as Non-precious Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical Generation of Hydrogen
PublicationIn this paper, we demonstrated, for the first time, aluminum titania nanoparticle (Al-TiO2 NP) composites with variable amounts of TiO2 NPs as nonprecious active catalysts for the electrochemical generation of H2. These materials were synthesized by mixing desired amounts of hydrogen titanate nanotubes (TNTs), fabricated here by a cost-effective approach at moderate hydrothermal conditions, with aluminum powder (purity 99.7%; size...
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An Aqueous Exfoliation of WO3 as a Route for Counterions Fabrication—Improved Photocatalytic and Capacitive Properties of Polyaniline/WO3Composite
PublicationIn this paper, we demonstrate a novel, electrochemical route of polyaniline/tungsten oxide (PANI)/WO3) film preparation. Polyaniline composite film was electrodeposited on the FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) substrate from the aqueous electrolyte that contained aniline (monomer) and exfoliated WO3 as a source of counter ions. The chemical nature of WO3 incorporated in the polyaniline matrix was investigated using X-ray photoelectron...
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Superhydrophobic sponges based on green deep eutectic solvents for spill oil removal from water
PublicationThe paper described a new method for crude oil-water separation by means of superhydrophobic melamine sponges impregnated by deep eutectic solvents (MS-DES). Due to the numerous potential of two-component DES formation, simple and quick screening of 156 non-ionic deep eutectic solvents using COSMO-RS (Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents) computational model was used. DES which were characterized by high solubility...
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Conversion of waste biomass into activated carbon and evaluation of environmental consequences using life cycle assessment
PublicationIn this article, activated carbon was produced from Lantana camara and olive trees by H3PO4 chemical activation. The prepared activated carbons were analyzed by characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. H3PO4 is used as an activator agent to create an abundant pore...
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New Peptide Based Fluconazole Conjugates with Expanded Molecular Targets
PublicationInfections of Candida spp. etiology are frequently treated with azole drugs. Among azoles, the most widely used in the clinical scenario remains fluconazole (FLC). Promising results in treatment of dangerous, systemic Candida infections demonstrate the advantages of combined therapies carried out with combinations of at least two different antifungal agents. Here, we report five conjugates composed of covalently linked FLC and...
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Layer-by-layer polymer deposited fabrics with superior flame retardancy and electrical conductivity
PublicationSmart and multifunctional textiles and fabrics are progressively developing, such that multifunctional fabrics are becoming more widespread. We elaborated herein multi-layered flax fabrics with superior flame retardancy and conductivity, which revealed fireproof feature while keeping conductivity during burning. The flax fabric was reinforced by layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of sodium polyacrylate (SPA), polyethylenimine (PEI),...
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Facilitated water transport in composite reduced graphene oxide pervaporation membranes for ethanol upgrading
PublicationHigh purity ethanol is one of the most sought-after renewable energy sources. However, standard production methods yield ethanol of insufficient quality. Membrane processes such as pervaporation are recognized as a viable method for upgrading ethanol. Their performance and selectivity depend solely on membrane employed. Hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes are used industrially for this purpose, but there is a trade-off...
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Enhanced cellulose extraction from agave plant (Agave americana Species) for synthesis of magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for defluoridation of water
PublicationResearch on fluoride removal from water is currently focusing on the development of innovative materials for defluoridation water. The current study extracted and used enhanced cellulose from Agave americana species to synthesize a magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for water defluoridation. Strong and light binary acids (H2SO4 and CH3COOH) were utilized to pretreat raw material to enhance cellulose extraction. Central composite...
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Synthesis, characteristics, and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles stabilized on the stone surface for degradation of metronidazole from aqueous solution
PublicationAbstract Background: The presence of antibiotics such as metronidazole in wastewater even at low concentrations requires searching for a suitable process such as advanced oxidation process (AOP) to reduce the level of pollutants to a standard level in water. Methods: In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal method using zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a precursor, then, stabilized on stone and was used...
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Solvothermal synthesis and structural characterization of three polyoxotitanium-organic acid clusters
PublicationThree new titanium oxo-clusters Ti4O2(OiPr)10(OOCPhMe)2 (I), Ti6O4(OEt)8(OOCPhMe)8 (II) and Ti6O6(OEt)6(OOCCHPh2)6 (III) were obtained by easy one-step solvothermal reactions of titanium(IV) isopropoxide, alcohols and carboxylic acids. The three compounds were characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, TGA/DSC, optical and electron microscopy, and FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction and spectroscopy...
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The Influence of Calcium Glycerophosphate (GPCa) Modifier on Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Biological Performance of Polyurethanes Applicable as Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Scaffolds Fabrication
PublicationIn this paper we describe the synthesis of poly(ester ether urethane)s (PEEURs) by using selected raw materials to reach a biocompatible polyurethane (PU) for biomedical applications. PEEURs were synthesized by using aliphatic 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (Polios), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as a chain extender and calcium glycerolphosphate salt (GPCa) as...
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Polyurethane/Silane-Functionalized ZrO2 Nanocomposite Powder Coatings: Thermal Degradation Kinetics
PublicationA polyurethane (PU)-based powder coating reinforced with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS)-functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles (V-ZrO2) for thermal stability was developed. Chemical structure, microstructure and thermal degradation kinetics of the prepared coatings were investigated. The peak of aliphatic C–H vibrating bond in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of V-ZrO2 was a signature of VTMS attachment. Scanning electron...
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Corrosion Inhibition Mechanism and Efficiency Differentiation of Dihydroxybenzene Isomers Towards Aluminum Alloy 5754 in Alkaline Media
PublicationThe selection of efficient corrosion inhibitors requires detailed knowledge regarding the interaction mechanism, which depends on the type and amount of functional groups within the inhibitor molecule. The position of functional groups between different isomers is often overlooked, but is no less important, since factors like steric hinderance may significantly affect the adsorption mechanism. In this study, we have presented how...
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SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NIOBIUM-DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE CERAMICS
PublicationHydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramic materials are considered as one of the most promising implant materials in bone surgery and in dentistry. They exhibit unique biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity, which are the most desirable biomaterial features. However, HAp itself is brittle, has low strength, high degree of crystallinity and low solubility at physiological pH. Doping synthetic HAp with metal ions plays an important...
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Lignocellulosic waste biosorbents infused with deep eutectic solvents for biogas desulfurization
PublicationThis paper introduces an innovative method for treating biogas streams, employing lignocellulosic biosorbents infused with environmentally friendly solvents known as deep eutectic solvents (DES). The primary focus of this study was the elimination of volatile organosulfur compounds (VSCs) from model biogas. Biosorbents, including energetic poplar wood, antipka tree, corncobs, and beech wood, were used, each with varying levels...
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Optical and structural properties of polycrystalline CVD diamond films grown on fused silica optical fibres pre-treated by high-power sonication seeding
PublicationIn this paper, the growth of polycrystalline chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond thin films on fused silica optical fibres has been investigated. The research results show that the effective substrate seeding process can lower defect nucleation, and it simultaneously increases surface encapsulation. However, the growth process on glass requires high seeding density. The effects of suspension type and ultrasonic power were...
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Effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ substitutions on the microstructure and electrical properties of GdCoO3 ceramics
PublicationGdCoO3-δ, Gd0.975Na0.025CoO3-δ, Gd0.98K0.02CoO3-δ, Gd0.98Ca0.02CoO3-δ, and GdCo0.99Mg0.01O3-δ ceramics were prepared via a solid-state reaction route. Among the dopants studied, substitution with Ca2+ slightly enhanced the densfication of GdCoO3 ceramics. All the lattice parameters of the doped ceramics were larger than those of pure GdCoO3-δ ceramic (a = 5.223 Å, b = 5.389 Å and c = 7.451 Å), and their cell volumes increased by...
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Uptake, accumulation, and translocation of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr by P. australis seedlings in an urban dredged sediment mesocosm: impact of seedling origin and initial trace metal content
PublicationThe study presents results from 6 months of phytoremediation of sediments dredged from three urban retention tanks carried out in a mesocosm setup with the use of P. australis. Two kinds of P. australis seedlings were considered: seedlings originating from natural (uncontaminated - Suncont) and anthropogenically changed environments (contaminated – Scont); this distinction was reflected in the baseline concentrations of trace metals...
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Non-toxic fluorine-doped TiO2 nanocrystals from TiOF2 for facet-dependent naproxen degradation
PublicationIn the present study, the photocatalytic degradation of naproxen (NPX), which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), frequently detected in drinking water, was investigated. The F-doped TiO2 with defined morphology was successfully obtained from TiOF2 and applied for photocatalytic degradation under UV-vis and visible light. All samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron...
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Effect of bio-polyol molecular weight on the structure and properties of polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams
PublicationThe increasing interest in polyurethane materials has raised the question of the environmental impact of these materials. For this reason, the scientists aim to find an extremely difficult balance between new material technologies and sustainable development. This work attempts to validate the possibility of replacing petrochemical polyols with previously synthesized bio-polyols and their impact on the structure and properties...
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A novel approach in wood waste utilization for manufacturing of catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC)
PublicationIn recent decades, due to the increase in environmental awareness and noticeable environmental degradation, the area of wood waste management has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of highly filled polyurethane wood-composite (PU-WC) by the utilization of large amount of wood wastes without addition of a catalyst. Although wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are widely known, there is...
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Micro‑ and nano‑ bentonite to improve the strength of clayey sand as a nano soil‑improvement technique
PublicationNano-additives results in the formation of nano-cementation (NC). This process is recently used to improve the durability of various building materials. NC used to improve the strength of untreated soil materials, also known as nano soil-improvement (NSI). In few years, the role of nano-additives in various types of soils were developed. In this research, the role of micro- and nano- size of bentonite as soil stabilizer was evaluated...
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Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Identification and Recognition of Natural Dyes, Uncommon Dyestuff Components, and Mordants: Case Study of a 16th Century Carpet with Chintamani Motifs
PublicationA multi-tool analytical practice was used for the characterisation of a 16th century carpet manufactured in Cairo. A mild extraction method with hydrofluoric acid has been evaluated in order to isolate intact flavonoids and their glycosides, anthraquinones, tannins, and indigoids from fibre samples. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to spectroscopic and mass spectrometric detectors was used for the identification of...
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The geometry of free-standing titania nanotubes as a critical factor controlling their optical and photoelectrochemical performance
PublicationTitanium dioxide nanotubes are regarded as one of the most important functional materials and due to their unique electronic properties, chemical stability and photocorrosion resistance, they find applications in, for example, highly efficient photocatalysis or perovskite solar cells. Nevertheless, modification of TiO2 nanotubes is required to overcome their main drawback, i.e. large energy bandgap (>3.2 eV) limiting their ability...
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Comparing the permeability of human and porcine small intestinal mucus for particle transport studies
PublicationThe gastrointestinal mucus layer represents the last barrier between ingested food or orally administered pharmaceuticals and the mucosal epithelium. This complex gel structure plays an important role in the process of small intestinal absorption. It provides protection against hazardous particles such as bacteria but allows the passage of nutrients and drug molecules towards the intestinal epithelium. In scientific research, mucus...
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A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
PublicationApplication of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs...
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Study on polymer modified road asphalt mixture
PublicationThe formulation of ternary asphalt-additives blend composed of crumb rubber : low-density polyethylene (CR : LDPE) and crumb rubber : textile fiber (CR : TF) couples, and quaternary asphalt additives-blend composed of (CR : LDPE : TF) triplets on the virgin asphalt to optimize the asphalt basic and rheological properties and to use the extrusion process of two or three additives to obtain composite materials of them, as well as...
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Adsorption behavior and corrosion inhibitive characteristics of newly synthesized cyano-benzylidene xanthenes on copper/sodium hydroxide interface: Electrochemical, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical studies
PublicationElegant process for synthesis of 3-(7H-dibenzo[c,h]xanthen-7-yl)benzaldehyde (3), as new starting material to create a set of novel xanthene analogues, 2-(3-(7H-dibenzo[c,h]xanthen-7-yl)benzylidene)malononitrile (4), 3-(3-(7H-dibenzo[c,h]xanthen-7-yl)phenyl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid (5), and Ethyl-3-(3-(7H-dibenzo[c,h]xanthen-7-yl)phenyl)-2-cyanoacrylate (6), was achieved starting with available materials under mild conditions. Various...
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Degradation of cefadroxil drug by newly designed solar light responsive alcoholic template-based lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles
PublicationIn this work, lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. Two different templates, namely sorbitol and mannitol, were used in this synthesis to tune the optical, structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of lanthanum ferrite. The synthesized lanthanum ferrite-sorbitol (LFOCo-So) and lanthanum ferrite-mannitol (LFOCo-Mo) were investigated through Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis),...
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Rare earth ions doped K 2 Ta 2 O 6 photocatalysts with enhanced UV–vis light activity
PublicationNew rare earth-doped K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effect of dopant type (Y,Yb,Ho,Pr,Er) and amount of rare earth precursor (2,4,8 and 10 mol%) on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of RE-K2Ta2O6 have been investigated. All as-prepared materials were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurement,...