Experimental investigation on the thermal protective performance of nonwoven fabrics made of high-performance fibers

In this study, the thermal protective performance of nonwoven fabrics made of Nomex (polyisophthaloyl metaphenylene diamine), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), P84 (polyimide), and basalt fibers was investigated. The objective was to determine the influence of fiber type, thickness of fabric, and wet on the thermal protective performance of nonwoven fabric. The thermal resistances of different nonwoven fabrics were measured using a dry hot plate instrument, the basalt nonwoven fabrics had a highest thermal resistance in all fabric, and the thermal resistance of nonwoven fabric increased with the increase in thickness. The six nonwoven fabrics were exposed to a hot environment for a few minutes by using a self-designed apparatus. The test results showed that the nonwoven fabrics made with basalt fiber exhibited the best thermal protective performance, and the thermal protective abilities of nonwoven fabrics increased with fabric thickness. Interestingly, nonwoven fabrics with added water were found to be able to keep the fabric surface lower temperature compared to dry fabrics when exposed to a hot environment, indicating the excellent thermal protective performance of wet nonwoven fabrics.     

Kinetics and dissociation mechanism of heptaaqua-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-nitrophenolatostrontium(II) nitrophenol

A single crystal of heptaaqua-p-nitrophenolatostrontium(II) nitrophenol (HNSN) was grown, and the structure was confirmed by UV–Vis–NIR, FT-IR, FT-NMR, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analyses. The dielectric loss, dielectric constant, and the mechanical strength of the crystal have already been reported. The dynamic, non-isothermal thermal analysis was carried out at different heating rates, and TG and DTG data were used for the interpretation of the mechanisms and kinetics of decomposition by means of a model fitting method, Coats–Redfern equation, and a model-free method, Kissinger and Flynn–Wall method. The values of activation energy (E) and the pre-exponential factor (ln A) of each stage of thermal decomposition at various linear heating rates were calculated.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Orange II by titania addition to sol–gel glasses

Glasses on SiO₂–CaO–ZnO–B₂O₃–K₂O–Al₂O₃ oxide system modified by addition of titania (0, 3, 5, 12, and 20% w) have been prepared by sol–gel method. The obtained gels were aged, dried and fired at 600 °C/1 h in order to stabilise the glass. The resulting fired powders were characterised by UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their photocatalytic capacity on the degradation of Orange II dye has been studied. The XRD and TEM studies indicate that system becomes amorphous with a nanostructured microstructure. From UV–Vis–NIR results the band gap calculated is around 3.5 eV for all modified glasses. Photoactivity of powders depends on amount of titania in glass composition and the specific surface area of prepared samples. The sample with highest surface area and lowest addition of titania (3% w sample) shows similar activity than commercial anatase used as reference.     

Growth,spectral, and thermal characterization of the NLO crystal: semicarbazone of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">dl</Emphasis>-camphor (SDLC)

Semicarbazone of dl-camphor (SdlC) crystals were grown using methanol as a solvent by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. Formation of the product and the presence of various functional groups present in the grown crystal have been identified using FTIR spectra. Single crystal XRD study was conducted to obtain the crystal structure and lattice parameters. The grown crystal was subjected to ¹HNMR and ¹³CNMR spectral studies and TG-DTA in order to confirm its structure, purity, and stability, respectively. The optical transparency of the crystal was tested using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical (NLO) property of the grown crystal was confirmed from the second harmonic generation (SHG) by Kurtz–Perry powder test.     

Coir-fiber-based fire retardant nano filler for epoxy composites

Coir-fiber-based fire retardant nano filler has been developed for epoxy resin (ER). At first, the coir fiber was brominated with saturated bromine water and then treated with stannous chloride solution. After drying, it was grinded to nano dimension and mix well with ER for composites preparations. FTIR, DSC, and TG techniques were used to characterize the brominated coir fiber. Gravimetric analysis shows only 10% by mass of bromination on coir fiber. Bromination decreases the thermal stability of the coir fiber, but it does not affect the final stability of the composites. This study concentrates on the thermal, fire retardant, and morphological properties of nanocomposites prepared by direct mixing. The fire retardancy properties (smoke density and limiting oxygen index) of coir–epoxy nanocomposites have increased significantly.     

Decolourization of vat dyes on cotton fabric with infrared laser light

A method for the decolourization of coloured cotton fabric dyed with vat dyes, based on exposure to infrared laser light, has been tested. Pulsed CO₂ laser has been used for all experiments. To detect changes in colour shade, reflection data of original and dyed cotton irradiated at various fluency of infrared laser light were measured on a UV–VIS spectrophotometer, and then colour intensity was calculated for each vat dye. To observe changes in chemical composition and morphology of fiber surfaces, an analysis was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy due to thermal effects. Thermal stability of vat dyes and cotton fabric was determined with differential scanning calorimetry method to simulate the heating process during exposure of samples to the infrared laser irradiation.     

Electroactive films of interpolymer complexes of polyaniline with polyamidosulfonic acids: advantageous features in some possible applications

With the purpose of determining prospects of possible applications of interpolymer complexes of polyaniline (PANI) with poly(amidosulfonic acid)s, we have performed a comparative study of polyaniline films prepared by electrochemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of the polyacids distinguished by different rigidities of the polymer backbone: (1) poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanosulfonic acid) (flexible backbone); (2) poly-p,p′-(2,2′-disulfoacid)-diphenylen-iso-phthalamid (semi-rigid backbone); (3) poly-p,p′-(2,2′-disulfoacid)-diphelylen-tere-phthalamid (rigid backbone); and (4) a copolymer of the latter two acids with monomer feed ratio 1:1 (co-PASA). Spectroelectrochemical studies in the UV–vis–NIR range showed that PANI complexes with rigid-chain polyacids far more effectively modulate absorbance in the Vis–NIR range and can be considered as promising candidates for “smart windows” development. Due to the presence of bulky unmovable polyacid anion, PANI interpolymer complexes (particularly those with the semi-rigid-chain polyacids) possess much wider pH range of electroactivity than common PANI, which is of great importance for biosensor applications. The interpolymer complexes with flexible-chain and semi-rigid-chain polyacids exhibit good optical response to ammonia vapors at conditions of high humidity, which make them promising materials for the development of ammonia optical sensors.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and optical properties of a novel rare-earth complex Nd(C2F5COO)3 · Phen

A novel neodymium pentafluoropropionate binuclear complex, Nd(C₂F₅COO)₃ · Phen (Phen: 1,10-phenanthroline), was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, FT-IR spectra, UV–Vis–NIR absorption, and PL spectra. Single-crystal data show that the complex bears centrosymmetric dinuclear structure with a planar ligand configuration. Four carboxylato groups act as η²-chelate-μ²-carboxylato-k¹O:k¹O′-bridge-ligands, the other two occupy the terminal position as monodentate ligands. At the same time, the C–O distances appear averaged which indicate the three atoms of carboxylato forming electron-conjugate system. Hydrogen bond and π–π-stacking link the binuclear to two-dimensional sheet. Optical spectra exhibit the complex possesses typical Nd(III) ion absorption and photoluminescence emission.     

Phosphotungstic Acid Nanoclusters Grafted onto High Surface Area Hydrous Zirconia as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Synthesis of Octahydroquinazolinones and β-Acetamido Ketones

Phostungstic acid (PWA) nanoclusters grafted onto high surface area polycrystalline hydrous zirconia powder (PWA/ZrO₂) was prepared by wet impregnation method. The zirconia particles were synthesized using a modified sol–gel route. The obtained material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis–diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis–NIR–DRS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and sorptometric techniques. XRD study revealed the presence of tetragonal phase of zirconia in the synthesized sample. TEM study indicates presence of small PWA clusters with size in the range of 5–15 nm well dispersed on the surface of the ZrO₂ particles. The characteristic UV and IR absorption feature of the PWA was retained in the PWA/ZrO₂ material. The PWA/ZrO₂ material was used as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of octahydroquinazolinones and β-acetamido ketones. The octahydroquinazolinones were synthesized by the multicomponent condensation of dimedones, urea and aryl aldehydes in ethanol. Similarly, β-acetamido ketones were synthesized with high yield and purity by four component condensation of aryl aldehydes, enolizable ketones, and acetyl chlorides in acetonitrile. The protocols developed in this investigation using the PWA/ZrO₂ catalyst is advantageous in terms of simple experimentation, high yield and purity of the products and recovery and reutilization of the heterogeneous catalyst.     

The influence of annealing on electrochromic properties of Al–B–NiO thin films prepared by sol–gel

Al–B–NiO thin films were prepared using the sol–gel process and deposited on Indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates via the dip-coating technique for the purpose of developing high performance electrochromic materials. The influence of the anneal on the structural and electrochromic properties of Al–B–NiO films is reported. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV), UV spectrophotometer, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to investigate the structural and electrochromic properties. The thickness of the films was determined by spectrophotometric analysis in 350–1,000 nm wavelength. Results showed that the Al–B–NiO thin films treated at high temperature have both the excellent electrochromic properties and good reversibility. The transmittance change (ΔT) of the film treated at 500 °C reaches still ~50% at the wavelength of 550 nm. The microstructure and the surface morphology were considered to play an important role in the electrochromic properties with different temperatures.     

Effect of mercaptopropionic acid as linker on structural,thermal, and optical properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–CdSe nanocomposites

In this study, we have studied the stability of TiO₂–CdSe nanocomposites in which the individual moieties are linked using a bifunctional linker (mercaptopropionic acid). Nanoparticles of TiO₂ and CdSe are synthesized by sol–gel and one pot methods. The equimolar amount of the above particles is utilized to prepare nanocomposites with and without linker. These samples are characterized for their structural, thermal, and optical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The average particle size of TiO₂ and CdSe are 16 and 23 nm, respectively. The addition of a bifunctional linker shows remarkable effect on the properties of TiO₂–CdSe nanocomposites.     

Influence of toasting and the seed variety on the physico-chemical and thermo-oxidative characteristics of the flaxseed oil

Physico-chemical properties, spectroscopy, and thermal analyses were used aiming at evaluating the influence of toasting and of the flaxseed variety on thermo-oxidative behavior of flaxseed oils. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were associated to gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy, as well as to physico-chemical analyses to characterize the oils obtained from raw and toasted flaxseeds. No meaningful differences in the thermal and oxidative stabilities were noticed comparing oils obtained from the brown and the golden flaxseeds. Nevertheless, the UV–Vis spectra indicated that both flaxseed oils were at the beginning of the oxidation process. The previous toasting of the seeds led to a higher oxidation for both varieties being harmful to the flaxseed oil quality.     

Synthesis and characterization of new complexes of some divalent transition metals with 2-acetyl-pyridyl-isonicotinoylhydrazone

Ten new mononuclear complexes having general formulae [ML₂](ClO₄)₂, M = Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II), [ML₂](SO₄), M = Co(II), Ni(II) and [ML₂(H₂O)₂](SO₄), M = Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II), L = 2-acetyl-pyridyl-isonicotinoylhydrazone have been synthesized and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, UV–Vis–NIR, EPR, as well as thermal analysis and determination of molar conductivity and magnetic moments. The structures of [CoL₂](ClO₄)₂ are accomplished by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination sphere is formed by two N, N, O tridentates 2-acetyl-pyridyl-isonicotinoylhydrazone ligands, or by two N, O bidentate 2-acetyl-pyridyl-isonicotinoylhydrazone and two water molecules. Biological activity studies reveal a moderate activity of complexes against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.     

State of partial oxidation of the regioregular sexi (3-octyl thiophene) oligomer in solid phase on electrode surface

An existence of a new, stable oligomer state of the solid film is reported, which is produced under electrochemical conditions. In this state, a formal charge exchanged in the redox process is about one-half of electron per oligomer molecule. The procedure, which allows controlling precisely the amount of oligomer on the electrode surface, is proposed that together with the coulometric evaluation of the electric charge provides the number of electrons involved in a redox process. This is demonstrated for a case of α-monochloro-substituted regioregular sexi (3-octylthiophene) oligomer (6OTCl). The electrochemical results are discussed together with UV–Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemical data obtained for both solution and solid phase that support the proposed interpretation.

Investigation of the thermal properties of [Cd(hydet-en)2Pd(CN)4] AND [Zn(hydet-en)2Pd(CN)4] single crystals

Thermal properties of the single crystals have been investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy and enthalpy and thermal stability temperature of the samples were calculated from the differential thermal analysis (DTA) and TG data. The activation energies for first peak of DTA curves were found as 496.65 (for Cd–Pd) and 419.37 kJ mol^–1 (for Zn–Pd). For second peak, activation energies were calculated 116.56 (for Cd–Pd) and 173.96 kJ mol^–1 (for Zn–Pd). The thermal stability temperature values of the Cd–Pd and Zn–Pd compounds at 10°C min^–1 heating rate are determined as approximately 220.7 and 203°C, respectively. The TG results suggest that thermal stability of the Cd–Pd complex is higher than that of the Zn–Pd complex.     

Influence of the synthesis media in the properties of CuO obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

Copper monoxide (CuO) was successfully obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, using different conditions—in a solution without base, in a solution alkalinized with NaOH or with NH₄OH. The powders were analyzed by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy. XRD results showed that CuO was obtained with monoclinic structure and without secondary phases. Thermal analysis and infrared spectra indicated the presence of acetate groups on the powder surface. TG curves also showed a mass gain assigned to the Cu(I) oxidation indicating that a reduction possibly occurred during synthesis. The high and broad absorption band in the UV–Vis spectroscopy from 250 to 750 nm indicated the coexistence of Cu(II) and Cu(I), confirming the Cu(II) reduction, inside the CuO lattice. It was also possible to confirm the Cu(II) reduction by a displacement of the Me–O vibration bands observed in the IR spectra at around 500 cm⁻¹.     

Application of external micro-spectrophotometric detection to improve sensitivity on microchips

The goal of this work was to increase the sensitivity of a UV–Vis spectrophotometer by decreasing the background noise and lengthening the optical path. A microphotometer has been modified to precisely select very small parts of a microfluidic channel pattern of a chip and to measure light absorbance on a magnified area of the selected part of the channel. The viability of combining a projection microscope and a spectrophotometer for external absorbance measurements on disposable PDMS chips was studied. Besides the external direct detection above a microfluidic channel, the optical pathlength was lengthened by detecting in the region of the perpendicular exit port. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the zone of irradiation improved the signal-to-noise ratio and the limits of detection (LOD).     

Automated extraction of direct,reactive, and vat dyes from cellulosic fibers for forensic analysis by capillary electrophoresis

Systematic designed experiments were employed to find the optimum conditions for extraction of direct, reactive, and vat dyes from cotton fibers prior to forensic characterization. Automated microextractions were coupled with measurements of extraction efficiencies on a microplate reader UV–visible spectrophotometer to enable rapid screening of extraction efficiency as a function of solvent composition. Solvent extraction conditions were also developed to be compatible with subsequent forensic characterization of extracted dyes by capillary electrophoresis with UV–visible diode array detection. The capillary electrophoresis electrolyte successfully used in this work consists of 5 mM ammonium acetate in 40:60 acetonitrile–water at pH 9.3, with the addition of sodium dithionite reducing agent to facilitate analysis of vat dyes. The ultimate goal of these research efforts is enhanced discrimination of trace fiber evidence by analysis of extracted dyes. Figure Fitted absorbance response surface for extraction of a direct dye, C. I. yellow 58, using a ternary solvent system.     

Solution properties and solvatochromism of bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-2-pyridyl-salicylaldiminato)cobalt(II)

The bis(N-2-pyridyl-salicylaldiminato)cobalt(II) complex ([Co(sap)₂]), a reddish-pink crystalline compound has been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and Vis–NIR spectroscopy. Combination of all techniques indicates a tetrahedral geometry for the complex in solid state and in the solvents used. Electronic spectroscopy was used to determine the ligand–field parameters as well as chromaticity coordinates; for discrimination of color changes CIE and CIELAB color spaces have been applied.     

Effect of NaCl and KCl doping on the growth of sulphamic acid crystals

The nonlinear optical single crystals of doped sulphamic acid (SA) were grown from aqueous solution by doping with NaCl and KCl using slow evaporation method. Powder X-ray diffraction studies confirm that the grown crystals belong to orthorhombic system. The density and melting point measurements of the grown crystals were determined by floatation technique and capillary tube method, respectively. The range of optical transmittance was ascertained by recording the UV–Vis–NIR spectrum. Atomic absorption study reveals the presence of dopants in the doped crystals. The thermal analyses indicated that the doped SA crystals are more stable than pure crystals. The Vicker's microhardness studies revealed that the dopants increased the hardness of the crystals. SHG efficiency studies of the crystals are found to be increased in the presence of NaCl and KCl dopants.