Exclusive deuteron electrodisintegration at high neutron recoil momentum

We have determined the ²H(e, e′p)n cross section for neutron recoil momenta between 295 and 500 MeV/c. In this region the ³D₁ state contribution is predominant in the deuteron wave function. The high excitation energy (E_cm^np = 179 MeV) and the small momentum transferred (|;q_cm|;² = 1.66 fm^?) emphasize the influence of isobar configurations (IC). Experimental data are compared with calculations including isobar contributions, mesonic exchange currents and final state interactions.     

Deep inelastic electron scattering on light nuclei

Czechoslovak Journal of Physics -     

Biosorbents from Plant Fibers of Hemp and Flax for Metal Removal: Comparison of Their Biosorption Properties

Lignocellulosic fibers extracted from plants are considered an interesting raw material for environmentally friendly products with multiple applications. This work investigated the feasibility of using hemp- and flax-based materials in the form of felts as biosorbents for the removal of metals present in aqueous solutions. Biosorption of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn from a single solution by the two lignocellulosic-based felts was examined using a batch mode. The parameters studied were initial metal concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH. In controlled conditions, the results showed that: (i) the flax-based felt had higher biosorption capacities with respect to the metals studied than the hemp-based felt; (ii) the highest removal efficiency was always obtained for Cu ions, and the following order of Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni > Co > Al > Mn was found for both examined biosorbents; (iii) the process was rapid and 10 min were sufficient to attain the equilibrium; (iv) the efficiency improved with the increase of the adsorbent dosage; and (v) the biosorption capacities were independent of pH between 4 and 6. Based on the obtained results, it can be considered that plant-based felts are new, efficient materials for metal removal.     

Use of Chènevotte,a Valuable Co-Product of Industrial Hemp Fiber,as Adsorbent for Pollutant Removal. Part I: Chemical,Microscopic, Spectroscopic and Thermogravimetric Characterization of Raw and Modified Samples

FINEAU (2021–2024) is a trans-disciplinary research project involving French, Serbian, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian colleagues, a French agricultural cooperative and two surface-treatment industries, intending to propose chènevotte, a co-product of the hemp industry, as an adsorbent for the removal of pollutants from polycontaminated wastewater. The first objective of FINEAU was to prepare and characterize chènevotte-based materials. In this study, the impact of water washing and treatments (KOH, Na₂CO₃ and H₃PO₄) on the composition and structure of chènevotte (also called hemp shives) was evaluated using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray computed nanotomography (nano-CT), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, solid state NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that all these techniques are complementary and useful to characterize the structure and morphology of the samples. Before any chemical treatment, the presence of impurities with a compact unfibrillated structure on the surfaces of chènevotte samples was found. Data indicated an increase in the crystallinity index and significant changes in the chemical composition of each sample after treatment as well as in surface morphology and roughness. The most significant changes were observed in alkaline-treated samples, especially those treated with KOH.     

Pulsed Corona Discharge for Degradation of Methylene Blue in Water

A pulsed corona discharge in multiwire-plate geometry, generated above water was studied for the removal of organic compounds in liquids. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) and the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were investigated. The MB solution was rapidly decolorized, evidencing the degradation of the dye after approximately 10 min plasma treatment. Nitrate, formate, sulphate and chlorine ions have been detected in the treated solution, explaining partly the change in the solution properties with plasma exposure, i.e. increase of electrical conductivity and decrease of pH. It was found that the concentration of H₂O₂ generated in water increased with plasma exposure time, reaching 200 mg/L after 30 min treatment. In the MB solution less hydrogen peroxide was detected, suggesting reactions with the dye and its degradation products. The addition of FeCl₂ catalyst had a slight favorable effect on methylene blue degradation due to Fenton’s reaction. It was observed that MB and H₂O₂ concentrations continue to decrease after the plasma treatment was stopped, suggesting that active species which accumulate in the solution may react post-plasma with methylene blue and its degradation products.     

Infrared analysis of phase transitions in liquid crystal acrylate monomers bearing urethanic groups and cholesteryl as mesogen

An infrared analysis of phase transitions in three enantiotropic liquid crystalline acrylate monomers with different spacer lengths bearing urethane groups and cholesteryl as mesogen was carried out. Through heating and cooling, spectral modifications especially at the level of carbonyl, –NH– and urethane alkoxyl oxygen groups were found. These findings reveal the influence of hydrogen bonding on mesomorphic properties of the studied compounds mentioning that both liquid crystal transitions are evidenced by the spectral changes. For all the compounds studied, the values of the transition temperatures deduced from the spectral modifications are in good agreement with those obtained from DSC measurements.