Polymerizable Ester-Type Banana Liquid Crystals: A Comparative Study of Mesophase Behavior

Two families of ester-type banana monomers are presented, 1,3-phenylene bis{4-[4′-(10-undecenyloxy)benzoyloxy]benzoate}s and 1,3-phenylene bis{[4′-(10-undecenyloxy)]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate}s, in which the nature of the substituents on the central phenyl ring and the side arms was varied. The mesophase behavior of the monomers, including B₂ and B₇ phases, was correlated with their chemical structure and was compared with that of analogous azomethine-type banana mesogens. It is also shown that the banana monomers can be incorporated into new architectures of liquid crystal polymers.     

香蕉皮对重金属离子铅的吸附性能研究

建立了香蕉皮快速、高效对重金属离子铅吸附性能的方法。采用分光光度法测定重金属离子铅的浓度,分别研究了7种不同形态的吸附剂对废水中重金属离子铅的吸附性能。在优化的实验条件下,重金属离子铅浓度与吸光度的线性相关系数R=0.999 83,且方法相对标准偏差(RSD)低于3%。结果表明,香蕉皮对废水中的重金属离子铅有良好的吸附效果,吸附率达到91.3%。利用香蕉皮去除废水中的重金属离子,可以变废为宝,且方法吸附率高、准确可靠、精密度高,可用于吸附废水中重金属离子铅。     

Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from banana peels

Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from banana peel using a combination of chemical treatments, such as alkaline treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. The suspensions of chemically treated fibers were then passed through a high-pressure homogenizer 3, 5, and 7 times, to investigate the effect of the number of passages on the properties of the resulting cellulose nanofibers. The cellulose nanofibers isolated in this study had a dry basis yield of 5.1 %. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all treatments effectively isolated banana fibers in the nanometer scale. The micrographs of the process steps used to isolate the nanofibers revealed gradual removal of amorphous components. Increasing number of passages in the homogenizer shortened the cellulose nanofibers while furnishing more stable aqueous suspensions with zeta potential values ranging from ?16.1 to ?44.1 mV. All the samples presented aspect ratio in the range of long nanofibers, hence being potentially applicable as reinforcing agents in composites. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that homogenized nanofiber suspensions were more crystalline than non-homogenized suspensions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that alkaline treatment and bleaching removed most of the hemicellulose and lignin components present in the banana fibers. Thermal analyses revealed that the developed nanofibers exhibit enhanced thermal properties. In general, the nanoparticles isolated from the banana peel have potential application as reinforcing elements in a variety of polymer composite systems.     

低温冷冻液液萃取/GC-MS结合保留指数分析香蕉中的挥发性成分

建立了低温冷冻液液萃取(LTF-LLE)/GC-MS结合保留指数对香蕉果肉及果皮中挥发性成分进行分析的方法,采用低温冷冻液液萃取对香蕉样品中的挥发性成分进行提取。分别鉴定出香蕉果肉及果皮中含有39种和32种挥发性成分,其主要成分为酯类物质。果肉果皮所含的挥发性成分在种类及相对含量上有一定差异,果肉中含量较高的组分为丙酸乙酯(11.88%)、乙酸异戊酯(9.45%)、棕榈酸(8.71%)、丁酸异戊酯(7.79%)、乙酸仲戊酯(5.29%),果皮中含量较高的组分为丁酸异戊酯(22.85%)、棕榈酸(15.91%)、硬脂酸(6.86%)、4-烯丙基-2,6-二甲氧基苯酚(6.83%)、亚麻酸(6.34%),果肉果皮所共有的成分有异戊醇、乙酸异丁酯、丁酸、异戊酸、乙酸仲戊酯等19种物质。     

Preparation,characterization, and properties of fast‐responding bulk hydrogel and treated bleached banana pulp

The reaction between bleached banana pulp and pure maleic anhydride (MA) was investigated. The reaction was conducted in a reactor in the presence of xylene used as a solvent and sodium hypophosphite as catalyst. The appearance of infrared absorption bands at 1891 and 1708 cm^?1 indicated that MA chemically reacted by esterification with bleached banana pulp. However, evidence of an esterification reaction was obtained between cellulose and MA. The production of fast‐responding bulk hydrogel with a high swelling ratio was also investigated. This hydrogel was synthesized first by the formation of maleated acrylamide particles and then by the graft copolymerization of the particles with cellulose. The maleated acrylamide particles were characterized with mass spectroscopy, and the formed hydrogl was characterized by FT‐IR. The esterification reaction between bleached banana pulp and maleated acrylamide was also studied. Steam absorption for bulk hydrogel, maleated acrylamide‐treated bleached banana pulp, MA‐treated cellulose and bleached banana pulp is higher than the steam absorption for untreated cellulose and bleached banana pulp. Compared with treated bleached banana pulp and cellulose, the hydrogel had very high swelling ratios and much faster swelling rates attributed to the collaboration of the ionized particles and bulk hydrogel. The number of ionic maleated acrylamide groups in the hydrogel affected the swelling behavior. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel method for making ultra-fine metal fibers and particles

A novel method based on plastic processing and equipment for preparing ultra-fine metal fibers and particles is reported. With this new method, metal fibers and particles can both be produced on the same equipment and the surfaces of the fibers and particles can be protected from oxidation by the polymers or solvents during the preparation process. Metal-alloy powders with lower melt point were filled into polymer by an extruder, followed by a die-drawing process at a temperature lower than the melt temperature of the metal alloy. Metal fibers or particles were obtained after the polymer matrix was washed away. Metal alloy fibers can be obtained when a polymer that strongly interacts with metal alloy, such as a special polyvinyl alcohol with a low alcoholysis degree, is used as the polymer matrix. Metal-alloy particles can be obtained when a polymer with weak interaction with metal alloy, such as polyethylene (PE), is used as the polymer matrix. Based on the principle of this new method, it is possible to produce finer or even nano-sized metal fibers and particles with higher melting points.     

Persistence of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in banana tissues and soil under the semi-arid climatic conditions of Karnataka,India

Trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole are used for control of Sigatoka leaf spot disease of banana. This study was conducted to evaluate residue persistence of the fungicides in/on banana fruit, other edible parts and soil after spray application of the combination formulation, Nativo 75 WG, at the standard dose, 87.5 + 175 and double dose, 175 + 350 g a.i. ha^?1. The fungicides were extracted from banana and soil with acetone, partitioned into dichloromethane and cleaned-up using activated charcoal for trifloxystrobin and primary/secondary amine (PSA) for tebuconazole samples. The limit of quantification of the method was 0.05 mg kg^?1 for both fungicides. Initial residues of trifloxystrobin were 0.444 and 0.552 mg kg^?1 in/on banana with peel (whole fruit), which reached <0.05 and 0.065 mg kg^?1 after 30 days from treatment at the standard and double doses, respectively. Tebuconazole residues were 0.636 and 960 mg kg^?1 initially and reduced to 0.066 and 0.101 mg kg^?1 after 30 days. Trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole degraded with the half-life of about 11 days. Trifloxystrobin or its metabolite was not detected in the fruit pulp. Tebuconazole being systemic in nature moved to the fruit pulp which was highest on the 3rd day (0.103 and 0.147 mg kg^?1) and remained for 15 days. Matured banana fruit, flower, pseudostem and field soil were free from fungicide residues. For consumption of raw banana 43 days pre-harvest interval (PHI) is required after treatment of the combination formulation. Therefore application of the fungicides towards maturity stage of the fruits may be avoided.     

磷钨酸催化合成乙酸戊酯

以磷钨酸为催化剂,冰醋酸和戊醇为原料,催化合成了乙酸戊酯.探讨了催化剂用量、醇酸比、反应时间等对酯化反应的影响.研究结果表明:取冰醋酸40mL,正戊醇25mL,磷钨酸2.0g,反应时间为2h时,酯的产率大于80%.     

Banana fiber-reinforced biodegradable soy protein composites

Banana fiber, a waste product of banana cultivation, has been used to prepare banana fiber reinforced soy protein composites. Alkali modified banana fibers were characterized in terms of density, denier and crystallinity index. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also performed on the fibers. Soy protein composites were prepared by incorporating different volume fractions of alkali-treated and untreated fibers into soy protein isolate (SPI) with different amounts of glycerol (25%–50%) as plasticizer. Composites thus prepared were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, SEM and water resistance. The results indicate that at 0.3 volume fraction, tensile strength and modulus of alkali treated fiber reinforced soy protein composites increased to 82% and 963%, respectively, compared to soy protein film without fibers. Water resistance of the composites increased significantly with the addition of glutaraldehyde which acts as cross-linking agent. Biodegradability of the composites has also been tested in the contaminated environment and the composites were found to be 100% biodegradable.     

Dissipation,residue, and distribution of pyraclostrobin in banana and soil under field conditions in South China

Two independent field trials were conducted in Guangdong and Guangxi, South China, in 2013, to study the dissipation, residue levels, and distribution of pyraclostrobin in banana and soil under field conditions. Pyraclostrobin residues were determined through a quick and effective method of high-performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that the average recoveries ranged from 80.55% to 98.08%, with relative standard deviations of 3.18–7.81% at three different spiking levels for each different matrix. The quantification limit of the proposed method was 0.006 mg/kg for both banana and soil. The half-lives of pyraclostrobin in bananas were 9.09 days in Guangdong and 8.26 days in Guangxi, and both bananas exhibited a dissipation rate of 90% after 28 days. The half-lives of pyraclostrobin in soil were 11.61 days in Guangdong and 10.60 days in Guangxi, with a dissipation rate of 90% after 35 days. Although several positive banana samples (i.e., pyraclostrobin exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRL) were found, the terminal residues in banana pulp were not detectable. All the terminal residues in banana pulp were below the MRL of 0.02 mg/kg, set by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, indicating a negligible risk associated with the exposure to pyraclostrobin via the consumption of banana. The distribution of pyraclostrobin in soil was also investigated in two experimental sites. The pyraclostrobin in different layer soil was time dependent and did not vary between the two sites. The result also showed that pyraclostrobin could be easily transported from the top soil to the subsoil. However, the highest quantity ratio did not exceed 10% in the bottom layer (20–30 cm). The distribution assessment also revealed that no significant potential environment risk was induced by pyraclostrobin in bananas.     

Solid and liquid green Ag nanoparticles based on banana peel extract as an eco-friendly remedy for ringworm in pets

Green chemistry-based biowaste has been taken attention toward new components for many applications especially in dermatophytes of animals and humans. The main goal of this study is to assist the synthetic pathways; clean and large-scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles is achieved as a promising alternative green technique with high efficiency, simplicity and less hazardous waste based on agro-waste of banana peels extract powder. The preparation of silver nanoparticles is directly via solid-state reaction and the liquid one based on the natural agro-waste of banana peels under specific conditions for treating ringworm in pets. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to prove the prepared nanoparticles. A total of 30 samples from pets (dogs and cats) were subjected to mycological examination. Ten (33.3%) were culture positive, and 100% of the positive samples were Microsporum canis. In vitro antifungal activity against M. canis isolates using both the disc diffusion and the broth microdilution methods was evaluated. The significant results for solid silver nanoparticles (Ags1 and Ags2) than liquid Ag NPs (AgL) with p < 0.05 compared with itraconazole were observed. This biomaterial from waste could be used as a fast, simple, eco-friendly, and efficient method to prepare Ag NPs on solid that can be applied in the veterinary sector against ringworm.     

Lignocellulosic composite

Banana pseudostem fiber which is a lignocellulosic material, relatively inexpensive, and abundantly available was assessed in terms of its fiber‐matrix adhesion and dispersion in composites. Different types of adhesives were used. The mechanical and water absorption properties were investigated. Overall, for the produced composites, the incorporation of sawdust‐urea‐formaldehyde resin into prehydrolyzed banana fiber resulted in the best mechanical properties. Good adhesion‐fiber interaction is believed to be responsible for the good ultimate performance. The superior reinforcing characteristics of sawdust resin were shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed better fiber‐matrix adhesion. Water absorption tests revealed that the presence of the adhesives affected the amount of water absorbed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Diverse Banana Pseudostems and Rachis Are Distinctive for Edible Carbohydrates and Lignocellulose Saccharification towards High Bioethanol Production under Chemical and Liquid Hot Water Pretreatments

Banana is a major fruit crop throughout the world with abundant lignocellulose in the pseudostem and rachis residues for biofuel production. In this study, we collected a total of 11 pseudostems and rachis samples that were originally derived from different genetic types and ecological locations of banana crops and then examined largely varied edible carbohydrates (soluble sugars, starch) and lignocellulose compositions. By performing chemical (H₂SO₄, NaOH) and liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatments, we also found a remarkable variation in biomass enzymatic saccharification and bioethanol production among all banana samples examined. Consequently, this study identified a desirable banana (Refen1, subgroup Pisang Awak) crop containing large amounts of edible carbohydrates and completely digestible lignocellulose, which could be combined to achieve the highest bioethanol yields of 31–38% (% dry matter), compared with previously reported ones in other bioenergy crops. Chemical analysis further indicated that the cellulose CrI and lignin G-monomer should be two major recalcitrant factors affecting biomass enzymatic saccharification in banana pseudostems and rachis. Therefore, this study not only examined rich edible carbohydrates for food in the banana pseudostems but also detected digestible lignocellulose for bioethanol production in rachis tissue, providing a strategy applicable for genetic breeding and biomass processing in banana crops.     

高效液相色谱法测定香蕉中的多菌灵、噻菌灵、甲基硫菌灵

采用高效液相色谱法测定香蕉中的多菌灵、噻菌灵、甲基硫菌灵。样品经乙腈提取、硅胶柱净化后用HPLC法测定,外标法定量。对样品前处理和色谱分析条件进行了研究和优化。3种杀菌剂在确定的浓度范围内线性良好,相关系数r≥0．999。添加3个浓度水平标准品的回收率分别为：多菌灵80．5％～91．2％,噻菌灵81．2％～86．9％．68．9％～72．6％。该法对多菌灵、噻菌灵、甲基硫菌灵3种杀菌剂的检出限较低,分别为0．008,0．009,0．015mg／kg。该方法可满足香蕉中多菌灵、噻菌灵、甲基硫菌灵的残留限量检测要求。     

Selection of natural fibers based brake friction composites using hybrid ELECTRE-entropy optimization technique

Selecting the best brake friction composite composition amongst a set of natural fibres reinforced composites using hybrid optimization method - ELECTRE (elimination and choice translating priority) II - entropy is discussed in this article. Three sets of natural fibres containing different amounts of banana, hemp, and pineapple reinforced brake friction composites were tested according to IS 2742 (part-4) regulations on a chase friction testing machine. The experimental results have been discussed in terms of seven performance defining attributes such as coefficient of friction, fade, wear, friction stability coefficient, friction recovery, friction fluctuations, and friction variability coefficient. The composite containing 5 wt% pineapple fiber exhibit the highest coefficient of friction, whereas wear performance and friction stability remain highest for 5 wt% hemp fiber based composites. The recovery performance remains highest for the composite containing 15 wt% banana fiber, while fade, friction variability, and fluctuations remain lowest for 10 wt% banana fiber reinforced composites. The tribological results indicate that the inclusion of disparate natural fibers in varying amounts may differently affect the tribological performances and therefore to choose the best brake friction composite satisfying the maximum beneficial criteria hybrid ELECTRE II- entropy optimization technique is used. Brake friction composite containing ~10 wt% banana fibers was ranked first, in meeting the desired performance tribological properties. A comparison of this optimization approach with other multi-criteria decision-making techniques is also made for validating the performance ranking of these composites.     

Effects of mineral oil spray additives on the distribution and dissipation kinetics of pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin in banana leaves,fruits, and soil

Using LC–MS/MS, a rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin residues in banana matrices (leaf and whole banana) and soil was established. The samples were extracted using acetonitrile and purified through C₁₈ dispersive solid-phase extraction. The average recovery of the analytes in various matrices was in the range of 77.3%–103.9% with an RSD range of 0.9%–9.5%. The initial deposition amounts of pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin at 2 h in the banana leaves of the mineral oil group were 1.43 and 1.31 times in Guangxi, and 2.10 and 1.81 times in Hainan for the water group, whereas those in the soil of the water group were 3.45 and 3.03 times in Guangxi, and 2.14 and 3.48 times in Hainan for the mineral oil group. The half-lives in the leaves and soil of the mineral oil group were not remarkably different from those of the water group. The terminal residue of the analytes on the whole banana was <0.02 mg/kg at 14 days after application from the two sites. The results of this work may indicate and promote the safety of using pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin in banana production, especially with mineral oil spray adjuvants.     

Bent Molecules with a 60° Central Core Angle that Form B7 and B2 Phases

Small‐angle bent‐core liquid‐crystalline (LC) molecules based on a 1,2‐bis(phenylethynyl)benzene central core have been synthesized that form banana smectic phases with a ferroelectric B7–antiferroelectric B2 phase sequence upon cooling. The formation of polar, switchable ferro‐/antiferroelectric banana phases indicates that, despite the low core bend angle of approximately 60°, banana smectic phases are still formed with the bend direction parallel to the layer. This study offers significant evidence that shows bent‐core molecules with a 60° bend angle can form the well‐known B2 and B7 banana phases. Consequently, it may lead to the preparation of a wide variety of novel bent molecules with low bend angles that spontaneously form an LC phase with both polarization and chirality.     

Effect of rope mat and random orientation on mechanical and thermal properties of banana ribbon-reinforced polyester composites and its application

The present work deals with the characterization of banana ribbon, a new natural fiber, and the effect of rope mat and random orientation on the mechanical and thermal properties of banana ribbon-reinforced polyester composites. Of all the fabricated composites, the banana ribbon rope mat composites showed improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to randomly oriented composites and other natural fiber composites. The surface morphologies of fractured mechanical testing samples were studied by scanning electron microscope to probe the fiber–matrix interaction. Furthermore, the mat composites are used to fabricate windshield of four wheelers and mudguard of two wheelers.     

Functional Properties of Banana Starch (Musa spp.) and Its Utilization in Cosmetics

Unripe banana fruit of Musa acuminata (Musa AAA; Hom Khieo) and Musa sapientum L. (Musa ABB; Namwa) growing in Chiang Rai (Thailand) were used for extraction. The yield of the starches was 16.88% for Hom Khieo (HK) and 22.73% for Namwa (NW) based on unripe peeled banana fruit. The amylose contents of HK and NW were 24.99% and 26.23%, respectively. The morphology of starch granules was oval shape with elongated forms for large granules and round shape for small granules. The HK and NW showed B-type crystalline structure and the crystallinities were 23.54% and 26.83%, respectively. The peak temperature of gelatinization was around 77 °C and the enthalpy change (ΔH) was 3.05 and 7.76 J/g, respectively. The HK and NW banana starches showed 1.27 ± 0.12 g/g and 1.53 ± 0.12 g/g water absorption capacity, and 1.22 ± 0.11 g/g and 1.16 ± 0.12 g/g oil absorption capacity, respectively. The swelling power of the banana starches was 17.23 ± 0.94 g/g and 15.90 ± 0.15 g/g, respectively, and the percentage of solubility in water showed 26.43 ± 2.50 g/g and 20.54 ± 0.94 g/g, respectively. The banana starches showed very poor flow character. The HK and NW starches have the potential to be used in powder base preparations with no effect on the sensory texture of the product at 15% w/w maximum.