Evaluation of Synthetic Magnesium Silicate as a New Polymer Filler

The paper reports on the performance of highly dispersed synthetic magnesium silicate as a filler of the styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR). The magnesium silicate has been precipitated and characterized by determination of particle size distribution, electrokinetic potential, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and SEM observation. At the subsequent stage of the study its surface has been modified by silane coupling agents. The unmodified and silane-grafted magnesium silicate samples have been used as fillers of SBR of standard testing composition. The vulcanizates obtained with the fillers have been tested as to their physical and mechanical performance. The vulcanizates filled with synthetic magnesium silicate have been found to show much better mechanical parameters than unfilled rubber. Modification of the synthetic magnesium silicates with silane coupling agents has further improved the mechanical characteristics of the vulcanizates.     

Studies on the surface modification of diatomite with polyethyleneimine and trapping effect of the modified diatomite for phenol

The adsorption isotherm of polyethyleneimine (PEI) on diatomite was studied using UV spectrophotometry, the surface of diatomite was modified with polyethyleneimine by using impregnation method, and the trapping behavior of the modified diatomite for phenol was investigated by using 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) spectrophotometric method. The experiment results show that negatively charged diatomite particles have very strong absorption effect for cationic macromolecule PEI, the adsorption isotherm fits in Freundlich equation. The character that there is a maximum value after intitial sharp increase of adsorption capacity on the adsorption curve indicates that there is strong affinity between diatomite particles and polyethyleneimine macromolecules, and it attributes to the strong electrostatic interaction. After modification with PEI, the electric property of diatomite particle surface changes essentially, and the isoelectric point of diatomite particles moves from pH 2.0 to 10.5. In acidic solution, phenol exists as molecular state, and the modified diatomite particles adsorb phenol through hydrogen bond interaction. However, the hydrogen bond interaction between nitrogen atoms on PEI chains and phenol is weaker because of high degree of protonation of polyethyleneimine macromolecules, so the adsorption quantity is lower. In basic solution, phenol exists as negative benzene–oxygen ion, and the modified diatomite particles adsorb phenol through electrostatic interaction. However, the electrostatic interaction between PEI and negative benzene–oxygen ion is very weak because of low degree of protonation of polyethyleneimine macromolecules, so the adsorption quantity is much lower. The modified diatomite particles produce very strong trapping effect for phenol in neutral aqueous solution via the cooperating of strong electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction, and the saturated adsorption capacity can attain to 92 mg g⁻¹.     

Wettability modification of pitch-based spherical activated carbon by air oxidation and its effects on phenol adsorption

The surface chemistry of pitch-based spherical activated carbon (PSAC) was modified by air oxidation to enhance its wettability as well as adsorption properties. Changes of PSAC after modification in texture, surface chemistry and wettability were studied by different techniques including N₂ adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and dynamic contact angle analyzer (DCA). Phenol adsorption characteristics in different solvents on PSAC were also investigated. When PSAC was modified under an atmosphere with 20 vol.% oxygen at 400 and 450 °C for 5 h, surface acidic groups increased from 0.11 to 1.22 and 1.60 meq/g, while basic groups decreased from 0.52 to 0.03 and 0.02 meq/g, respectively. After PSAC was modified, the increase of the oxygen-containing groups, especially carboxylic and phenolic ones, is responsible for the increasing of the surface acidity and the significant improvement of the wettability of PSAC. PSAC with a relatively high oxygen content provided a low adsorption capacity to phenol in aqueous solution, and the adsorption isotherms change from Langmuir class (L) to the S-shaped curve; while the solvent is changed into cyclohexane, all adsorption isotherms are type L, and the adsorption capacity to phenol increases with increasing oxygen-containing groups. Possible reasons, including the solvent effect, π-π dispersion and donor-acceptor interactions are discussed.     

Phenol adsorption on surface-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles: modeling of the kinetics,isotherm, and mechanism

Phenol adsorption from aqueous solution was carried out using uncoated and methyl acrylic acid (MAA)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), having size <10 nm, as adsorbents. Batch adsorption studies revealed that the phenol removal efficiency of MAA-coated NPs (950 mg g^?1) is significantly higher than that of uncoated NPs (550 mg g^?1) under neutral to acidic conditions. However, this improvement disappears above pH 9. The adsorption data under optimized conditions (pH 7) were modeled with pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetics and subjected to Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The analysis determined that pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich model are appropriate for both uncoated and MAA-coated NPs (all R ² > 0.98). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of pristine and phenol-adsorbed NPs revealed core-level binding energy and charge for Fe(2s) and O(1s) on the NP surfaces. The calculations suggest that phenol adsorption onto MAA-coated NPs is a charge transfer process, where the adsorbate (phenol) acts as an electron donor and the NP surface (Fe, O) as an electron acceptor. However, a physisorption process appears to be the relevant mechanism for uncoated NPs.     

Effect of drying technique on the physicochemical properties of sodium silicate-based mesoporous precipitated silica

The conventional drying (oven drying) method used for the preparation of precipitated mesoporous silica with low surface area (>300 m²/g) and small pore volume is often associated with a high production cost and a time consuming process. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to develop a cost-effective and fast drying process for the production of precipitated mesoporous silica using inexpensive industrial grade sodium silicate and spray drying of the precipitated wet-gel silica slurry. The precipitated wet-gel silica slurry was prepared from an aqueous sodium silicate solution through the drop-wise addition of sulfuric acid. Mesoporous precipitated silica powder was prepared by drying the wet-gel slurry with different drying techniques. The effects of the oven drying (OD), microwave drying (MD), and spray drying (SD) techniques on the physical (oil, water absorption, and tapping density), and textural properties (specific BET surface area, pore volume, pore size, and % porosity) of the precipitated mesoporous silica powder were studied. The dried precipitated mesoporous silica powders were characterized with field-emission scanning electron microscopy; Brunauer, Emmett and Teller and BJH nitrogen gas adsorption/desorption methods; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; thermogravimetric and differential analysis; N₂ physisorption isotherm; pore size distribution and particle size analysis. There was a significant effect of drying technique on the textural properties, such as specific surface area, pore size distribution and cumulative pore volume of the mesoporous silica powder. Additionally, the effect of the microwave-drying period on the physicochemical properties of the precipitated mesoporous silica powder was investigated and discussed.     

Polystyrene/magnesium hydroxide nanocomposite particles prepared by surface-initiated in-situ polymerization

In order to avoid their agglomeration and incompatibility with hydrophobic polystyrene substrate, magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles were encapsulated by surface-initiated in-situ polymerization of styrene. The process contained two steps: electrostatic adsorption of initiator and polymerization of monomer on the surface of magnesium hydroxide. It was found that high adsorption ratio in the electrostatic adsorption of initiator could be attained only in acidic region, and the adsorption belonged to typical physical process. Compared to traditional in-situ polymerization, higher grafting ratio was obtained in surface-initiated in-situ polymerization, which can be attributed to weaker steric hindrance. Both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that polystyrene/magnesium hydroxide nanocomposite particles had been successfully prepared by surface-initiated in-situ polymerization. The resulting samples were also analyzed and characterized by means of contact angle testing, dispersibility evaluation and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Ultra Fine Layered Silicate Synthesis from Synthetic Silicate Raw Material

This paper reports the results of experiments on ultra fine layered silicates Na-fluorotaeniolite and Na-fluorotetrasilicic mica synthesis in the melts prepared from reaction blends based on synthetic silicate raw material, namely synthetic magnesium silicate dihydrate (MSDH, MgO·SiO₂·2H₂O). The MSDH–Na₂SiF₆–LiF, MSDH–Na₂SiF₆–MgF₂ and MSDH–Na₂SiF₆–NaF blends, whose compositions are close to the stoichiometry of the Na-fluorotaeniolite (NaMg₂Li[Si₄O₁₀]F₂) and Na-fluorotetrasilicic mica (NaMg_2.5[Si₄O₁₀]F₂) were studied in the temperature range 1080–1225°C. Magnesium silicate dihydrate, the phase composition of synthesis products and layered silicates (Na-fluorotaeniolite and Na-fluorotetrasilicic mica) were examined using the crystal optical, X-ray diffraction at room and high temperatures, differential thermal and chemical analyses. It has been shown that studied blends possessed a high reactivity, owing to which the layered silicates were synthesized at lower temperatures (～180–300°C) and the duration of the synthesis was shortened severalfold. The maximal yield of the Na-fluorotetrasilicic mica was observed in the reaction blend with the Na₂SiF₆ and NaF as halogen-containing compounds. The specific effects of MSDH on the physicochemical processes proceeded during heat treatment of the reaction blends were described.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of ciprofloxacin adsorption onto modified coal fly ash from aqueous solution

Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of ciprofloxacin from aqueous solution using modified coal fly ash as adsorbent. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, initial solution concentration and temperature on the adsorption system were investigated. The optimum contact time was found to be 100 min. The isotherm adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir model, and the kinetic data fit well with the pseudo-second order and the intra-particle diffusion model. Intra-particle diffusion analysis demonstrates that ciprofloxacin diffuses quickly among the particles at the beginning of the adsorption process, and then the diffusion slows down and stabilizes. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG, ΔH and ΔS were also calculated. The negative Gibbs free energy change and the positive enthalpy change indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption, and the positive entropy change indicated that the adsorption process was aided by increased randomness.     

Removal of organic contaminants from aqueous solution by cattle manure compost (CMC) derived activated carbons

The activated carbons (ACs) prepared from cattle manure compost (CMC) with various pore structure and surface chemistry were used to remove phenol and methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of two organic contaminants onto the ACs were investigated and the schematic models for the adsorptive processes were proposed. The result shows that the removal of functional groups from ACs surface leads to decreasing both rate constants for phenol and MB adsorption. It also causes the decrement of MB adsorption capacity. However, the decrease of surface functional groups was found to result in the increase of phenol adsorption capacity. In our schematic model for adsorptive processes, the presence of acidic functional groups on the surface of carbon is assumed to act as channels for diffusion of adsorbate molecules onto small pores, therefore, promotes the adsorption rate of both phenol and MB. In phenol solution, water molecules firstly adsorb on surface oxygen groups by H-bonding and subsequently form water clusters, which cause partial blockage of the micropores, deduce electrons from the π-electron system of the carbon basal planes, hence, impede or prevent phenol adsorption. On the contrary, in MB solution, the oxygen groups prefer to combine with MB⁺ cations than water molecules, which lead to the increase of MB adsorption capacity.     

Characterization of natural resin materials using water adsorption and various advanced techniques

A physicochemical characterization of natural raw resin material was evaluated and reported. The studied material is a natural resin, a natural product from pinus halepensis trees which is collected from the forests of Chalkidiki region of North Greece. The plurality of this product combined with its special property of removing water from commercial liquid fuels commands the detailed physicochemical characterization of this material. In particular, various techniques, such as water adsorption at 22 °C, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, were used in order to evaluate the structural and surface properties of the material. The water adsorption isotherm was also measured and fitted using the Guggenheim, Anderson and De Boer model in order to correlate the water activity characteristics. In addition, the kinetics of the adsorption was also fitted with good accuracy using the exponential Chapman model. Furthermore, as the results show, the natural resin presents good thermal characteristics. Finally, the studied material presents efficient water adsorption properties, up to 246.8 mmol/g, and it can be proposed as a promising dehydration material.     

Adsorption of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions onto magnesium and activated carbon composite in aqueous solution

Magnesium and coconuts shell activated carbon composite was prepared to selectively remove heavy metals ions in aqueous solution. Zinc(II) and cadmium(II) ions were used to clarify the adsorption capacity of the composite in comparison with no magnesium containing activated carbon. Influence of the initial heavy metal concentration, time course and solution temperature on the adsorption amounts were examined for the two adsorbents, and surface chemistry of the adsorbents was also characterized using Boehm titration. The magnesium composite adsorbed greater amount of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions than the no magnesium counterpart. The adsorption amount of Cd(II) was not influenced with rise in solution temperature for the composite, whereas decrease in adsorption was observed for the counterpart. The loaded magnesium was estimated to be combined with carbon surface via oxygen bridge. Cadmium(II) was adsorbed onto the composite surface by ion exchange process with releasing equivalent amount of Mg(II) from the carbon surface, while Zn(II) would adsorb onto the composite by not only the ion exchange, but also the electrostatic interaction with the Cπ electrons on the graphite surface from the experimental results.     

Synthesis of fluorine-doped titania-coated activated carbon under low temperature with high photocatalytic activity under visible light

Fluorine-doped anatase titania sols were synthesized by hydrolysis of titanium-n-butoxide in the presence of abundant acidic aqueous solution and using ammonium fluoride as fluorine precursors, under mild condition. The prepared fluorine-doped titania nanoparticles were loaded on activated carbon in a rotatory evaporator under vacuum to form a composite photocatalyst. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis, UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption measurement were used to characterize these as-prepared powders. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by degrading phenol under visible light. Results showed that the composite photocatalyst was porous due to its nano-microstructure. The number of hydroxyl groups on the titania surface was enhanced after fluorine doping. Compared with pure titania-activated carbon and Degussa P25, the as-prepared composite powders exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity, although absorption response range into the visible region was not detected by diffuse reflection spectra.     

Modification of Au surfaces using new ferrocene derivatives

Gold surfaces have been modified by self-assembled techniques. Here the adsorption time of diasteroisomers (1R, 3S)-1-ferrocenyl-3-methyl-4,4-diphenyl-2,5-dioxacyclopentane and (1S, 3S)-1-ferrocenyl-3-methyl-4,4-diphenyl-2,5-dioxacyclopentane (Scheme 1, 3a and 3b) at a Au surface in ethanol solution was controlled. This study was followed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The method used for the surface modification was the control of exposure time of a Au surface in the modifier/ethanol solution. It was demonstrated by EIS and XPS that the Au surface was modified with mixture of compounds 3a + 3b, avoiding the electron transference in the interface. It was also observed that the organometallic molecule indeed had been adsorbed on the Au surface. In addition, evidence seems to conclude that the molecule-Au interaction is through the electrons of cyclopentadienyl moiety, where the oxygen atoms are near the air-molecule interface and the iron atom is near the Au surface. This type of interaction of the ferrocene derivatives with gold surfaces has not been reported by any other author.     

The impact of carbon surface chemical composition on the adsorption of phenol determined at the real oxic and anoxic conditions

The results of phenol adsorption-desorption isotherms (at 310 K) measured on the series of activated carbons (D43/1, NORIT RO 0.8, D55/2) are presented. The effect of carbon surface chemical composition on phenol adsorption determined at real oxic and anoxic conditions is discussed. To obtain the real anoxic conditions the two station controlled atmosphere chamber with two catalyst heater units (Plas Labs, Lansing, MI, USA) was applied. It is shown that the adsorption under oxic conditions is always larger than that determined for anoxic ones for all studied carbons. The analysis of those differences shows that in the range of micropore filling they decrease with the equilibrium phenol mole fraction in solution. Contrary they increase after micropores being filled. The average differences between the adsorption properties are the linear function of the concentration of surface acidic groups (assigned from the Boehm's method as “carboxylic”) calculated per the apparent BET surface area of studied carbons.     

Chemical modification of silica gel with synthesized new Schiff base derivatives and sorption studies of cobalt (II) and nickel (II)

In this study, three Schiff base ligands and their complexes were synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility apparatuses. Silica gel was respectively modified with Schiff base derivatives, (E)-2-[(2-chloroethylimino)methyl]phenol, (E)-4-[(2-chloroethylimino)methyl]phenol and N,N′-[1,4-phenilendi(E)methylidene]bis(2-chloroethanamine), after silanization of silica gel by (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTS) by using a suitable method. Characterization of the surface modification was also performed with IR, TGA and elemental analysis. The immobilized surfaces were used for Co(II) and Ni(II) sorption from aqueous solutions and values of sorption were detected by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS).     

Impact of the interaction with the positive charge in adsorption of benzene and other organic compounds from aqueous solutions on carbons

We present the results of benzene adsorption at the acidic pH level determined on the series of chemically modified activated carbons and at three temperatures. The influence of carbon surface chemical composition on benzene adsorption is discussed. It is shown that the decrease in the pH level from 7 up to 1.5 increases benzene adsorption and the only exception is carbon modified with gaseous ammonia. Basing on the results of current work and those published previously (for phenol, paracetamol, acetanilide and aniline) and using the results of quantum chemistry calculations (DFT, Gaussian 98) we show, that the value of the energy of interaction with unit positive charge is crucial during the analysis of the influence of pH level on adsorption. Obtained results allow to predict the changes in adsorption of aromatics on carbons with the decrease in the pH level.     

Adsorption behaviour of NaCl solution on the surface of MgO: a molecular dynamics study

Magnesium alloy is one of the most promising biomaterials in vascular clogging and bone injury. But it still has some defects to overcome and the key task is to control the degradation velocity. In this study, the reaction between NaCl solution and MgO is simplified as the first stage of the degradation of magnesium alloy stent, and the adsorption properties of NaCl solution on the MgO surface are investigated by MD simulation. The distribution of each component of the solution perpendicular to the MgO surface is analysed and the diffusion coefficient is calculated. Besides, a parameterised analysis is carried out. The results show that there is a solution layer formed at the surface of the MgO, and the existence of metal oxide restricts the diffusion of the solution. The adsorption capacity and the diffuse rate have an opposite variation tendency with the change of temperature, concentration and velocity. The self-diffusion coefficient of the solution increases with the increase in temperature as well as velocity, inversely adsorption capacity decreases with the increase in velocity. Besides, the influence of temperature on the adsorption capacity is small. What is more, the diffusion coefficient decreases while the adsorption capacity increases with the increase in concentration.     

Surface modification and characterization of Jordanian kaolinite: Application for lead removal from aqueous solutions

Kaolinite clay was tested for removal of lead ions from aqueous solution. This clay was washed with sulfuric acid solution followed by chemical surface modification using 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane and sodium hydroxide. XRF results showed that silica to alumina ratio was 2.8:1 for the treated sample compared to 1.6:1 for the raw one.XRD analysis displayed different distinct kaolinite and quartz peaks before treatment while kaolinite peaks were diminished after the treatment. SEM morphology indicated that the raw kaolinite appears as plate structure with no local pores on the plates. However, after treatment the surface was found to have micropores.Different adsorption isotherm models were applied to the experimental data and found that Shawabkeh-Tutunji equation best fit these data adequately. It was also found that chemisorption took place at the surface of the modified kaolinite with maximum adsorption capacity of 54.35 mg/g.     

动态紫外光谱法检测湿巾无纺布对苄索氯铵杀菌剂的吸附

生产中苄索氯铵在湿巾中的添加是通过药液浸渍的方式,即无纺布对药液中苄索氯铵分子的吸附而实现的。由于苄索氯铵的吸附是一个时间很短的动力学过程,目前关于无纺布对苄索氯铵吸附速率的研究还未见报道。以湿巾无纺布对溶液中苄索氯铵的吸附为研究对象,根据苄索氯铵在波长269 nm处存在特征吸收峰,通过搭建在线动力学紫外监测平台,利用蠕动泵将溶液输送到紫外分光光度计的流动比色皿进行循环检测,可实现对吸附过程中苄索氯铵溶液吸光度值的在线实时检测;根据苄索氯铵吸光度值与浓度的关系,推导计算得出苄索氯铵吸附量,从而实现了无纺布对苄索氯铵吸附速率的快速准确检测。该方法适用于在线监测无纺布对苄索氯铵吸附时药液浓度变化。结合Weber and Morris内扩散动力学模型,对苄索氯铵的吸附过程进行理论分析,为深入研究无纺布对苄索氯铵的吸附做指导。结果表明：无纺布对苄索氯铵的吸附是一个连续性的分散过程;第一阶段的苄索氯铵线性吸附与表层扩散有关,第二阶段为苄索氯铵扩散过程,第三阶段是苄索氯铵吸附与脱附的平衡动态过程,且第一阶段扩散率常数（41.60）远大于第二阶段的扩散率常数（15.63）,说明表层扩散在整个吸附过程中起了很重要的作用。研究工作对于湿巾生产过程中及时合理的添加苄索氯铵及优化湿巾生产工艺具有现实的指导意义。     

XPS和FTIR分析仿生呼吸法对硅酸盐改性杉木浸渍效果的影响

杉木进行硅酸盐浸渍改性处理后,木材内部的改性剂相关元素含量与分布是衡量浸渍效果的重要指标,对改性杉木的各项物理力学性能有着至关重要的作用。以硅酸盐为浸渍改性剂,采用仿生呼吸法对杉木进行浸渍改性。研究了仿生呼吸法对硅酸盐改性杉木的密度、抗弯强度、抗压强度、三切面硬度和24 h吸水率影响,利用XPS和FTIR分析了杉木素材与改性材的化学成份与化学结构,并对硅酸盐改性剂在改性杉木中的分布深度与分布规律进行了探讨。结果表明：经过硅酸盐浸渍改性后,改性杉木平均密度大于0.721 g·cm-3,抗弯强度和抗压强度分别增大了170.19%和286.64%。改性杉木横切面、径切面和弦切面的硬度均有不同程度的提高。硅酸盐改性使杉木的24 h吸水率从91.17%±2.51%降至39.23%±1.62%,表明杉木的尺寸稳定性大幅度提高。相比于杉木素材,改性杉木木材的XPS全谱扫描中出现了Na元素和Si元素的吸收峰,窄扫谱图中出现了Si-O-C和Na-O化学结构。同时,改性杉木木材的FTIR谱图中出现了Si-O-Si的吸收峰,并且游离羟基含量减少,缔合羟基增多。XPS和FTIR分析都表明硅酸盐浸注到了杉木木材的孔隙中,且硅酸钠与杉木木材中羟基形成了化学键结合和氢键结合。这也是改性杉木的力学性能和耐水性能提高的重要原因。另外,通过XPS测试发现改性杉木木材沿横向从表面到30 mm处都出现了C,O,Na和Si元素,并且沿横向从表面到30 mm处,Si-O-C结合结构的吸收峰强度基本相同,说明从表面到中间部位,硅酸钠与杉木木材中的羟基都较均匀地形成了化学键。对各元素进行定量分析发现,改性杉木木材中C,O,Na和Si元素的相对含量从表面到中间部位（30 mm）差异较小,进一步表明改性剂能较好浸入杉木木材中间,并且均匀性较好。研究结果将为杉木浸渍改性效果提供数据支撑,并为优化改性工艺与方法、进一步提高改性杉木的物理力学性能提供依据。