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Various Ratios (various + ratio)
Selected AbstractsEFFECTS OF INULIN AND BULKING AGENTS ON SOME PHYSICOCHEMICAL, TEXTURAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF MILK CHOCOLATEJOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 5 2009HANNANEH FARZANMEHR ABSTRACT Chocolates are favorite foodstuffs with high sugar contents. Therefore, in the present study, the production of a low-sugar milk chocolate with prebiotic properties is evaluated. Various ratios of inulin (IN), polydextrose (PD) and maltodextrin (MD) along with sucralose (0.04% w/w) were used instead of sugar. Fifteen formulations were examined to determine some physicochemical, mechanical and sensory properties in order to find their optimum ratios. In general, formulations with high ratios of PD and MD were moister and softer than control. The lowest moisture content and highest hardness were observed for the moderate ratios. In addition, MD induced the least desirable sensorial effects, whereas PD and IN pronouncedly improved the overall acceptability. The optimum applicable range for IN, PD and MD were 14,32% and 71,84%, 7,26% and 67,77%, and 0,20% of sugar substitutes, respectively. Our findings on simultaneous fat and sugar reductions also indicated the possibility of fat cut up to 5% in comparison to previous fat content. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In this paper, we have reported the influences of inulin (IN) as a prebiotic as well as polydextrose (PD) and maltodextrin (MD) as bulking agents on physicochemical, energy content, texture and sensory properties of milk chocolate using simplex lattice mixture design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in this field with very interesting results and practical applicability. Moreover, our findings showed that the use of aforementioned ingredients instead of sugar could lead to production of low-calorie milk chocolate without having the undesirable textural and physiological effects on the product and consumers. Moreover, the simplex lattice mixture design was found a very useful technique for finding optimum ratios of sugar replacers in formulation. [source] Cu/Ti base multicomponent amorphous Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8Si1 and nanocrystalline silver compositesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Jan Dutkiewicz Abstract An easy glass-forming alloy based on Cu,Ti of composition Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8Si1 was ball milled for 40,h to obtain amorphous powder. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements confirmed the dominant presence of the amorphous phase after ball milling. However, transmission electron microscopy from powders allowed identification of Si particles and intermetallic phases a few nanometre in diameter, often of CuNi2Ti or Cu,Ti structures. The powder was then hot pressed in vacuum at temperature of 460,°C between the glass transition and the crystallization point to form bulk amorphous samples. Composites were prepared in the same way from mixed milled amorphous powders and nanocrystalline silver powder prepared by ball milling. Various ratios of amorphous to silver powder were applied with a maximum of 60% of nanocrystalline silver The microhardness of the amorphous phase component was near 1100,HV, much higher than the 90,HV of silver. Composites containing 20% of nanosilver have shown a much higher compression strength of 850,MPa, as compared to the 450,MPa of the composite containing 60% of silver, however, the latter has better ductility, near 5%, before fracture. [source] Selective and frequency dependent predation of aquatic mosquito predator Diplonychus indicus Venkatesan & Rao (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) on immature stages of three mosquito speciesENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2009Narayanasamy SIVAGNANAME Abstract Frequency dependent mosquito larval size (II and IV instars) and species selection by the water bug Diplonychus indicus against three mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi was studied in the laboratory. The different frequencies used for each species selection were 20:30:50, 30:50:20, 50:20:30, 25:35:40, 35:40:25 and 40:25:35 of fourth instars of the respective three prey species. All nymphal water bugs (I,V instars) selected IV instar mosquito larvae and the mean proportion of late (larger) larvae eaten by the predator instars was significantly higher than the mean proportion of early (smaller) larvae eaten (F= 2.28; P < 0.001). In all six ratios used to determine the frequency dependent mosquito species selection, all the stages of the water bug selected Ae. aegypti over the other two species (F= 452.43; P < 0.001). The mean number of mosquito larvae eaten increased as its density increased based on various ratios of larvae offered. The study indicated that the predatory efficiency of D. indicus was high when Ae. aegypti was offered as prey, suggesting the utility of this mosquito predator in the control of dengue vectors. [source] Effect of organic carbon content, clay type, and aging on the oral bioavailability of hexachlorobenzene in rats,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2007Shakil A. Saghir Abstract Bioavailability of lipophilic chemicals is influenced by the physicochemical properties of soils/sediment such as particle size, pH, clay, and organic carbon content. The present study investigated the effects of sediment composition and aging on the oral bioavailability of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in rats. Formulated sediments were prepared using various ratios of kaolinite and montmorillonite clay, sand, peat moss, and black carbon, spiked with 14C-HCB, and orally administered to rats prior to and after one year of aging in dark at 10°C. In the nonaged sediments there was a 21 to 45% reduction in the oral bioavailability of HCB when compared to the corn oil standard without any clear pattern of the impact of the sediment clay and/or organic carbon content. One year of aging resulted in statistically significant (p = 0.049) reduction in the oral bioavailability of HCB from the sediments compared to the corn oil standard and nonaged sediment indicating stronger interactions between HCB and sediment contents with aging. The mean reduction in oral bioavailability after one year of aging ranged from approximately 5 to 14% greater than that observed for nonaged sediments. The fecal elimination of the HCB-derived radioactivity from the one-year-aged sediments was much higher than the nonaged sediments, consistent with the lower absorption from the gastrointestinal tract due to lower desorption of HCB from the aged sediments. Increase in the fecal elimination and decrease in oral bioavailability of 14C-HCB was related to the increase in clay and black carbon. [source] A Combinatorial Approach for Colorimetric Differentiation of Organic Solvents Based on Conjugated Polymer-Embedded Electrospun FibersADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2009Jaewon Yoon Abstract A combinatorial approach for the colorimetric differentiation of organic solvents is developed. A polydiacetylene (PDA)-embedded electrospun fiber mat, prepared with aminobutyric acid-derived diacetylene monomer PCDA-ABA 1, displays colorimetric stability when exposed to common organic solvents. In contrast, a fiber mat prepared with the aniline-derived diacetylene PCDA-AN 2 undergoes a solvent-sensitive color transition. Arrays of PDA-embedded microfibers are constructed by electrospinning poly(ethylene oxide) solutions containing various ratios of two diacetylene monomers. Unique color patterns are developed when the conjugated polymer-embedded electrospun fiber arrays are exposed to common organic solvents in a manner which enables direct colorimetric differentiation of the tested solvents. [source] Clinical grading of oral mucosa by curve-fitting of corrected autofluorescence using diffuse reflectance spectraHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2010Rupananda Jayachandra Mallia PhD Abstract Background Laser-induced autofluorescence (LIAF) and diffuse reflectance (DR) were collectively used in this clinical study to improve early oral cancer diagnosis and tissue grading. Methods LIAF and DR emission from oral mucosa were recorded on a fiber-optic spectrometer by illumination with a 404-nm diode laser and tungsten halogen lamp in 36 healthy volunteers and 40 lesions of 20 patients. Results Absorption dips in LIAF spectra at 545 and 575 nm resulting from changes in oxygenated hemoglobin were corrected using DR spectra of the same site. These corrected spectra were curve-fitted using Gaussian spectral functions to determine constituent emission peaks and their relative contribution. The Gaussian peak intensity and area ratios F500/F635 and F500/F685 were found to be useful indicators of tissue transformation. The diagnostic capability of various ratios in differentiating healthy, hyperplastic, dysplastic, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were examined using discrimination scatterplots. Conclusions The LIAF/DR technique, in conjunction with curve-fitting, differentiates different grades of dysplasia and SCC in this clinical trial and proves its potential for early detection of oral cavity cancer and tissue grading. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010 [source] Development of hydrogel patch for controlled release of alpha-hydroxy acid contained in tamarind fruit pulp extractINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2005J. Viyoch Synopsis The aim of this study was to develop hydrogel patch using crosslinked chitosan,starch as polymeric matrix for controlling the release of the natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) contained in the extract of tamarind's fruit pulp. The chitosan (MW 100 000) was blended with corn, tapioca or rice starch in various ratios and then crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The physical characteristics, mechanical resistance, bio-adhesion property and surface morphology of the prepared hydrogel patches with and without the extract were investigated. The release patterns of the hydrogel patches containing the extract were investigated by measuring the amount of tartaric acid, a major AHA present in the tamarind's fruit pulp extract, accumulated in the receptor medium of the vertical diffusion cell at various time intervals over a period of 6 h. The results indicated that the formulations of chitosan : corn starch 4.5 : 0.5 with glutaraldehyde 0.02% w/w (C4.5C0.5G0.02) or 0.04% w/w (C4.5C0.5G0.04), chitosan : tapioca starch 4.5 : 0.5 with glutaraldehyde 0.04% w/w (C4.5T0.5G0.04) or 0.05% w/w (C4.5T0.5G0.05), and chitosan : rice starch 4.5 : 0.5 with glutaraldehyde 0.04% w/w (C4.5R0.5G0.04) and chitosan : rice starch 4.0 : 1.0 with glutaraldehyde 0.03% w/w (C4.0R1.0G0.03) provided the flexible and elastic patches with good bio-adhesive property. The tensile strength values ranged from 5 to15 N mm,2 and the elasticity ranged from 30 to 60%. The addition of the extract in these formulations significantly increased the tensile strength values of the obtained patches. The patch of C4.0R1.0G0.03 formulation containing the extract showed relatively highest porosity, corresponding to its highest amount (12.02 ± 0.33 mg) and rate (0.452 ± 0.012 mg mm,2 min,1/2) of tartaric acid released. The amounts of tartaric acid released from the developed hydrogel patches were proportional to a square root of time (Higuchi's model), particularly the release from C4.0R1.0G0.03 (R2, 0.9978 ± 0.0020) and C4.5R0.5G0.04 (R2, 0.9961 ± 0.0024) patches. Résumé Le but de cette étude était de développer un patch hydrogel en utilisant, en tant que matrice polymère, un mélange chitosane/amidon réticulé pour le contrôle du relargage d', -hydroxyacide naturel contenu dans l'extrait de la pulpe du fruit du tamarinier. Du chitosane (MW 100 000) a été mélangéà des farines de maïs, de tapioca ou de riz dans différentes proportions, les mélanges ont été réticulés avec du glutaraldéhyde. Les caractéristiques physiques, résistance mécanique, propriétés de bio adhésion et morphologie de surface des patchs hydrogels préparés avec et sans extrait ont étéétudiées. Le profil de relargage des patchs hydrogels contenant l'extrait a étéétudié en mesurant la quantité d'acide tartarique, , -aminoacide majoritaire présent dans l'extrait, accumulé dans le milieu récepteur d'une cellule à diffusion verticale en fonction du temps sur une période de 6 heures. Les résultats ont montré que les formulations contenant: ,,un mélange chitosane/amidon de maïs dans un rapport 4.5 : 0.5 réticulé avec 0.02% ou 0.04% poids/poids de glutaraldéhyde (respectivement C4.5C0.5G0.02 et C4.5 C0.5 G0.04) ou ,,un mélange de chitosane/amidon de tapioca dans un rapport 4.5 : 0.5 réticulé avec 0.04% ou 0.05% poids/poids de glutaraldéhyde (C4.5T0.5 G0.04ou C4.5 T0.5 G0.05) ,,ainsi que le mélange chitosane/amidon de riz dans un rapport 4.5 : 0.5 réticulé avec 0.04% poids/poids de glutaraldehyde (C4.5R0.5 G0.04) ,,et le mélange chitosane/amidon de riz dans un rapport 4.0 : 1.0 réticulé avec 0,03% poids/poids de glutaraldehyde (C4.0 R1.0 G0.03) conduisaient à des patchs flexibles et élastiques avec de bonnes propriétés bio adhésives. Leur résistance mécanique varie de 5 à 15 N/m2 et leur élasticité de 30 à 60%. L'addition de l'extrait de fruit à ces formules augmente significativement la résistance mécanique des patchs. Le patch C4.0R1.0 G0.03 contenant l'extrait montre la plus grande porosité correspondant à la quantité d'acide tartarique relargué la plus élevée (12.02 ± 0.33 mg), ainsi qu'à la plus grande vitesse de relargage (0.452 ± 0.012 mg mm- 2 mn- 1/2). Les quantités d'acide tartarique relarguées à partir de patchs hydrogels développés sont proportionnelles à la racine carrée du temps (modèle d'Higuchi), en particulier pour les patchs C4.0 R1.0G0.03 (R2, 0.9978 ± 0.0020) et C4.5R0.5 C0.004 (R2, 0.9061 ± 0.0024). [source] Gellan,adipic acid blends crosslinked by means of a dehydrothermal treatmentJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Niccoletta Barbani Abstract Blends of gellan gum (GE) and adipic acid (ADA), at various ratios, were manufactured in the form of films by casting from aqueous solutions and crosslinked by a dehydrothermal treatment (DHT). The materials, before and after DHT, were characterized by both physicochemical tests and cellular adhesion and growth on the film surfaces. The total reflection and spotlight Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and optical and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of both GE-rich and ADA-rich regions and the formation of ester groups after DHT. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the crosslinking by DHT made the materials more thermally stable. The swelling in water, which diminished in the films subjected to DHT, confirmed that the crosslinking enhanced the whole stability of the material. DMA also showed that the behavior of the GE,ADA blends was quite similar to that of some living tissues, such as the skin. The cell cultures indicated that the materials, especially that with a 6 : 10 ADA-to-GE ratio, were very able to promote cellular adhesion and proliferation. In conclusion, the GE,ADA crosslinked blends appeared very suitable for a use as biomaterials; in particular, the cell cultures indicated that they might be useful as scaffolds for tissue reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Synthesis, cure kinetics, and thermal properties of the Bis(3-allyl-2-cyanatophenyl)sulphoxide/BMI blendsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008G. Anuradha Abstract A novel allyl functionalized dicyanate ester resin bearing sulfoxide linkage was synthesized. The monomer was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, 1H-, and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The monomer was blended with bismaleimide (BMI) at various ratios in the absence of catalyst. The cure kinetics of one of the blends was studied using differential scanning calorimetry [nonisothermal] and the kinetic parameters like activation energy (E), pre-exponential factor (A), and the order of the reaction (n) were calculated by Coats-Redfern method and compared with those calculated using the experimental Borchardt-Daniels method. The thermal stability of the cured dicyanate, BMI, and the blends was studied using thermogravimetric analyzer. The initial weight loss temperature of dicyanate ester is above 380°C with char yield of about 54% at 800°C. Thermal degradation of BMI starts above 463°C with the char yield of about 68%. Inclusion of BMI in cyanate ester increases the thermal stability from 419 to 441°C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Influence of cosolvents and in situ forming hydroxyapatite on the mechanical characteristics of collagen filmsJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002Hsiu-O Ho Abstract Collagen was processed into films in mixtures containing various ratios of water, propylene glycol, and ethanol. An experimental mixture design was applied to characterize the effects of individual solvents and their interactions on the mechanical properties of collagen films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface properties of collagen films. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and related characteristics of collagen films were also evaluated with dynamic mechanical analysis. The effect of in situ forming hydroxyapatite (HAP) within collagen films at a concentration of 10 mM on the physical characteristics of these films was evaluated by the same methods. With X-ray and SEM examinations, it was confirmed that HAP was formed inside the collagen film. However, the UTS of collagen films without HAP was 4,5 times higher than that with HAP. This was probably due to the discontinuity of the film structure caused by HAP in the collagen films. The results of a statistical analysis of the experimental design revealed the influence of the solvent mixtures on the mechanical properties of the collagen films with and without HAP, showing similar responses for the UTS and modulus of elasticity. Both parameters showed a maximal response in the solvent range containing a lower percentage of ethanol with the desired percentage of propylene glycol to plasticize the collagen films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 22,29, 2002 [source] Enhancing Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Konjac Glucomannan Edible Films by Incorporating Chitosan and NisinJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2006Bin Li ABSTRACT: The antimicrobial effect of konjac glucomannan (KGM) edible ûlm incorporating chitosan (CHI) and nisin at various ratios or concentrations was studied. This activity was tested against pathogenic bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus. Mechanical and physical properties were determined, and the results indicated that the blend film KC2 (mixing ratio KGM 80/ CHI 20) showed the maximum tensile strength (102.8 ± 3.8 MPa) and good transparency, water solubility, and water vapor transmission ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural change of the blend films; and the results showed that strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds occurred between CHI and KGM. Incorporation of nisin at 463IU per disk of film for the selected KC2 was found to have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and B. cereus. The mean value of inhibition zone diameter of the CHI-N series and the KC2-N series were higher than the KGM-N series at each corresponding concentration and with significant difference (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference in the antimicrobial effect between CHI and KC2 incorporating nisin. At all these levels, the blend ûlm KC2-nisin had a satisfactory appearance, mechanical and physical properties, and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, it could be considered as a potential "active" packaging material. [source] Analysis of the interactions between the peptides from secreted human CKLF1 and heparin using capillary zone electrophoresisJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 8 2008Yi Liu Abstract The Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is a novel human cytokine and exhibits chemotactic activities on leukocytes. Two peptides named CKLF1-C27 and CKLF1-C19, were obtained from secreted CKLF1. In this study, a selective high-performance analytical method based on capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) to investigate interactions between heparin and CKLF1-C27/CKLF1-C19 was developed. Samples containing CKLF1-C27/CKLF1-C19 and heparin at various ratios were incubated at room temperature and then separated by CZE with Tris-acetate buffer at pH 7.2. Both qualitative and quantitative characterizations of the binding were determined. The binding constants of the interactions between CKLF1-C27/CKLF1-C19 and heparin were calculated as (3.38 ± 0.49) × 105M,1 and (1.10 ± 0.02) × 105M,1 by Scatchard analysis. To study structural requirements, CKLF1-C19pm and CKLF1-C19km have been synthesized, and their interactions with heparin have been studied by CZE. We found that the Pro or Lys to Ala substitution within the residues of CKLF1-C19 (CKLF1-C19pm or CKLF1-C19km) strongly decreased or abolished its interaction with heparin, suggesting that the residues of Pro affect the affinity of CKLF1-C19 for heparin, and the residues of Lys of CKLF1-C19 play the important role for the interaction of CKLF1-C19 and heparin, respectively. The methodology presented should be generally applicable to study peptides and heparin interactions quantitatively and qualitatively. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated poly(benzoxazole ether ketone)s by direct copolymerization as novel polymers for proton-exchange membranesJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 11 2007Jinhuan Li Abstract A new series of sulfonated poly(benzoxazole ether ketone)s (SPAEKBO-X) were prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic polycondensation of 4,4,-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)-diphenol with 2,2,-bis[2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzoxazol-6-yl]hexafluoropropane and sodium 5,5,-carbonylbis-2-fluorobenzenesulfonate in various ratios. Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR were used to characterize the structures and sulfonic acid contents of the copolymers. The copolymers were soluble in N -methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, N,N -dimethylacetamide, and N,N -dimethylformamide and could form tough and flexible membranes. The protonated membranes were thermally stable up to 320 °C in air. The water uptake, hydrolytic and oxidative stability, and mechanical properties were evaluated. At 30,90 °C and 95% relative humidity, the proton conductivities of the membranes increased with the sulfonic acid content and temperature and almost reached that of Nafion 112. At 90,130 °C, without external humidification, the conductivities increased with the temperature and benzoxazole content and reached above 10,2 S/cm. The SPAEKBO-X membranes, especially those with high benzoxazole compositions, possessed a large amount of strongly bound water (>50%). The experimental results indicate that SPAEKBO-X copolymers are promising for proton-exchange membranes in fuel cells, and their properties might be tailored by the adjustment of the copolymer composition for low temperatures and high humidity or for high temperatures and low humidity; they are especially promising for high-temperature applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2273,2286, 2007 [source] Direct characterization of phase behavior and compatibility in PET/HDPE polymer blends by confocal Raman mappingJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 3 2007Shuangyan Huan Abstract Morphology, chemical distribution and domain size in poly(ethylene terephthalate)/high-density poly(ethylene) (PET/HDPE) polymer blends of various ratios prepared with and without maleic anhydride have been analyzed with confocal Raman mapping and SEM. The ratioimage method introduced here allows us to obtain enhanced chemical images with higher contrast and reliability. Compatibility numbers (Nc) are calculated to evaluate the compatibility of the blends. The incompatible polymer blends show heterogeneous distribution with phase separation behavior, while the semicompatible blends prepared with maleic anhydride show much smaller subphase distributions with less distinct interphases. After the blending modification by maleic anhydride of only 0.5%, the viscosity status and dispersibility between PET and HDPE could be substantially improved, and the interactions that exist between the two phases have also been proved by ATR-FT-IR results. High-spatial-resolution confocal Raman mapping coupled with the ratioimage method provides a very attractive way to characterize the compatibility and phase behavior of the polymer blend through different blending methodologies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Inkjet Printing of Polymer Micro-Arrays and Libraries: Instrumentation, Requirements, and PerspectivesMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 11 2003Berend-Jan de Gans Abstract This article reviews commercially available instrumentation for inkjet printing of polymer micro-arrays for combinatorial materials research, and requirements thereof. These include a print head positioning accuracy better than 10 ,m and a minimum drop volume of 100 pL. Commercially available instruments that fulfill these requirements can be divided into two categories, depending on whether they receive ink from a reservoir (dispense mode) or through fluid aspiration (pipette mode). Instruments belonging to the first category are restricted to the preparation of polymer blend micro-arrays. These consist of a few substances mixed in various ratios. The other instruments can be used for the preparation of both micro-arrays of large numbers of different pure polymer compounds and polymer blend micro-arrays. Moreover, ways to mix compounds are discussed. [source] Prototypes for building applications based on thermoplastic composites containing mixed waste plasticsPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 2 2002M. Xanthos Automotive shredder residue (ASR) and a complex residue obtained as a by-product in the tertiary recycling of nylon-6 fibers from used carpets were evaluated as potential additives in thermoplastic composites to be used for building applications. Prototype blocks were prepared by the "intrusion" process using various ratios of the waste streams and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the absence of compatibilizers. Hence, product morphologies and corresponding properties were largely controlled through processing. They were evaluated for their short-term and longterm mechanical properties, flammability, thermal conductivity, and heavy-metal and total organic carbon leaching characteristics. Encapsulation of the waste feedstock by LDPE during molding in a single-screw extruder significantly reduced the leachable content. In an effort to further reduce the leachable content, the mixtures were processed in two stages by precompounding in adevolatilizing twin-screw extruder prior to molding. In comparison to the as-received wastes, improved homogenization decreased the leachable heavy-metal content by at least 98%. The carpet residue feedstock consisting of polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber and calcium carbonate appears to be an attractive low-cost, high-volume material with consistent properties and could be used as filler in thermoplastic composites. Comparison of their performance characteristics suggested that the carpet residue composites would be favored versus ASR composites as replacement of the wood thermal barrier components in a novel steel-based stud assembly. [source] Synthesis of sub-micrometer core,shell rubber particles with 1,2-azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator and deformation mechanisms of modified polystyrene under various conditionsPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2009Rujun Dai Abstract BACKGROUND: Sub-micrometer core-shell polybutadiene- graft -polystyrene (PB- g -PS) copolymers with various ratios of polybutadiene (PB) core to polystyrene (PS) shell were synthesized by emulsion grafting polymerization with 1,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. These graft copolymers were blended with PS to prepare PS/PB- g -PS with a rubber content of 20 wt%. The mechanical properties, morphologies of the core-shell rubber particles and deformation mechanisms under various conditions were investigated. RESULTS: Infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed that PS could be grafted onto the PB rubber particles. The experimental results showed that a specimen with a ,cluster' dispersion state of rubber particles in the PS matrix displayed better mechanical properties. Transmission electron micrographs suggested that crazing only occurred from rubber particles and extended in a bridge-like manner to neighboring rubber particles parallel to the equatorial plane at a high speed for failure specimens, while the interaction between crazing and shear yielding stabilized the growing crazes at a low speed in tensile tests. CONCLUSION: AIBN can be used as an initiator in the graft polymerization of styrene onto PB. The dispersion of rubber particles in a ,cluster' state leads to better impact resistance. The deformation mechanism in impact tests was multi-crazing, and crazing and shear yielding absorbed the energy in tensile experiments. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] In vitro and in vivo degradation study on novel blends composed of polyphosphazene and polyester or polyanhydridePOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2002Y Qiu Abstract Poly[bis(glycine ethyl ester)phosphazene] (PGP) was blended with poly(D,L -lactide- co -glycolide) (80:20 by mole) (PLGA) and poly[sebacic anhydride- co -trimellitylimidoglycine)- block -poly(ethylene glycol)] (30:50:20 by mole) (PSTP) in various ratios using a solvent-mixing technique. The in vitro degradation of polymer blends was examined by treatment in distilled water with or without lipase at 37,°C; the degradation rate of the blends could be regulated by adjusting the composition. PGP/PLGA (70:30 by wt) slabs took 120 days to disappear completely, while PGP/PSTP (70:30 by wt) needed only 20 days. Furthermore, Rhizopus delemer lipase showed the strongest acceleration activity on PGP/PLGA blends. The degree of enzymatic degradation was proportional to the percentage of PLGA in the blend. For comparison, the in vivo degradation of polymer blends was investigated by implanting them subcutaneously in the back of mice, some difference in degradation being observed. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The controlled release behavior and pH- and thermo-sensitivity of alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) blended hydrogelsPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 8 2009Win-Chun Jao Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was blended with sodium alginate (Alg) in various ratios and crosslinked with calcium chloride and made into hydrogel membranes. The dependence of the swelling behavior of these Alg-Ca/PVA hydrogels on pH was investigated. The temperature-dependent swelling behavior of the semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels was examined at temperatures from 2 to 45°C and the enthalpy of mixing (,Hmix) was determined at various temperatures. The molecular structure of the hydrogels was studied by infrared spectroscopy and their water structure in the semi-IPN hydrogels was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The influence of Ca2+ content on the network structure of Alg-Ca/PVA hydrogels was investigated in terms of the compressive elastic modulus, effective crosslinking density, and the polymer,solvent interaction parameter based on the Flory theory. The loading of alizarin red S (ARS) followed the Langmuir isotherm mechanism and the release kinetics of ARS from the Alg-Ca/PVA hydrogels followed the Fickian diffusion mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A novel polyurethane-modified poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) hydrogelsPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 3-4 2002Xiaohua Liu Abstract Two kinds of vinylic-capped urethane acrylate anionomer (UAA) prepolymers were prepared in two steps. pH sensitive hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization of UAA. A series of pH and temperature sensitive hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization of N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and UAA at various ratios. The influences of pH and temperature on the swelling ratios (SRs) of these hydrogels were investigated in detail. The results indicated that the incorporation of PUAA into the composite hydrogels had little effect on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA). The swelling ratios strongly depended on both the composition of the hydrogels and the polymerization temperature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors in Bovine Cystic FolliclesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2008N Isobe Contents Cystic follicles have excess fluid derived from blood flow in the theca interna of the follicle; therefore, the vasculature network is related to cystic follicle formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent stimulator of blood vessel permeability and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of VEGF receptors proteins and mRNA in cystic follicles to elucidate the VEGF system in cystic follicles. The expression of protein for VEGF receptors; fms-like-tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) and foetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) was detected by the immunohistochemical method. The mRNA expression of Flt-1 and Flk-1 in cystic follicles was determined by RT-PCR. Concentration of oestradiol-17, and progesterone in the follicular fluid of cystic follicles was determined using ELISA. Flt-1- and Flk-1 proteins were localized in granulosa and theca interna cells and endothelial cells of theca layers. The intensity of Flt-1 and Flk-1 immunoreaction was similar among cystic follicles with various ratios of oestradiol-17,/progesterone concentrations. The expression of Flt-1 and Flk-1 mRNA was similar, regardless of the ratio of oestradiol-17, to progesterone in follicular fluid. These results demonstrate that cystic follicles have both VEGF receptors in the granulosa and theca interna layers, which may be responsible for the increased permeability of microvessels, causing the accumulation of follicular fluid in cystic follicles. [source] Behavior of Ni-Doped MgMoO4 Single-Phase Catalysts for Synthesis of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube BundlesCHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION, Issue 1 2007Y. Li Abstract A significant effect is found when various ratios of CH4/H2 and CH4/N2 are used for the synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) bundles on nickel-doped MgMoO4 (Ni/Mo/MgO) as a catalyst. The absorption of hydrogen makes the nickel,molybdenum nanoparticles highly dispersed on the porous MgO, and the synergism of nickel,molybdenum has the effect that sufficient carbon atoms are rapidly dissolved in the molten nickel-molybdenum nanoparticles, leading to a high yield of MWNTs. The phase transformations of the catalysts and the formation mechanism of the MWNT bundles on Ni/Mo/MgO catalyst are also presented. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||