Counterion Exchange Selectivity in Detergent–Polymer Aggregates

In aqueous solution, the interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) results in the formation of small aggregates or clusters of SDS attached to the PEG polymer chain. Selectivity coefficients for exchange of two monovalent (N-methyl-4-cyanopyridinium cation and Tl⁺) and two divalent (methylviologen cation and Cu²⁺) counterions at the surface of SDS–PEG clusters, determined employing photophysical techniques, are similar, but not identical, to those for exchange at the surface of SDS micelles in the absence of PEG. The principal factor affecting ion exchange selectivity in SDS–PEG clusters does not appear to be aggregate size or surface charge density but rather the presence of poly(oxyethylene) subunits at the aggregate surface.     

Gamma irradiation induced photochemical reactions in V-doped borate glasses

Glasses of the composition XNa₂O · 4Al₂O₃ (96-X) B₂O₃ (mole%) where X = 10, 20, 30 to which 0.03 g V₂O₅ per 100 g glass was added, were prepared by normal melting. Their absorption characteristics together with the corresponding V-free base glasses were determined before and after gamma irradiation. The characteristic spectra of the unirradiated glasses show absorption bands at 315, 470, 560–580, 610–650, 700–870, and 860–1000 nm, indicating the presence of vanadium ions in more than one oxidation state, viz, V⁵⁺, V⁴⁺, and V³⁺. Gamma irradation of V-containing glasses causes the formation of color centers in the glass matrices, with absorption bands at 330, 500, and 610 nm, and photoreduced [V³⁺] and [V²⁺] ions with absorption bands at 350–355 and 530–570 and 520 nm, respectively. Photoreduced [V⁴⁺] may also be formed, giving rise to absorptions at 690–700 and 750–800 nm. The induced vanadium ions are found to absorb at shorter wavelengths than the intrinsic ones. An explanation based on the difference in the field energy of the two states is given.     

Sources and Time-Variations of Reactive Hydrocarbon Immissions in the Atmosphere of Different Industrial and Rural Areas

Abstract

The problem of determining the concentration changes of reactive hydrocarbon immissions as a function of time was solved by means of an automatic gas chromatograph which, without enrichment, could record ethylene and acetylene in ppb concentrations. At the same time various other pollutants were covered, so that by a mutual allocation of the individual components it was possible to identify certain emitter groups. The results clearly show that ethylene and acetylene primarily originate from the combustion processes of the automobiles, while the handling and storage of petroleum products and their processing do not exert any influence on the immission of the two components. By way of time series measurements during a summer week in 1976 with very intensive solar radiation it was possible to show indirect secondary photochemical reactions.     

Thermogravimetric studies on catalytic effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on asphaltene pyrolysis under inert conditions

This study investigated the catalytic effect of NiO, Co₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles toward asphaltene thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) under inert conditions. Asphaltene adsorbed onto the selected nanoparticles were subjected to thermal decomposition up to 800?°C in a thermogravimetric analyzer. The presence of nanoparticles caused a significant decrease in the asphaltene decomposition temperature and activation energy. Activation energies for the process were calculated using the Ozawa?CFlynn?CWall method. All the selected metal oxide nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity toward asphaltene decomposition in the following order NiO?>?Co₃O₄?>?Fe₃O₄. This study confirms that metal oxide nanoparticles can significantly enhance the thermal decomposition of heavy hydrocarbons, like asphaltenes.     

Concurrent Covalent and Supramolecular Polymerization

Covalent and supramolecular polymerizations, both of which offer their own unique advantages, have emerged as popular strategies for making artificial materials. Herein, we describe a concurrent covalent and supramolecular polymerization strategy—namely, one which utilizes 1) a bis‐azide‐functionalized diazaperopyrenium dication that undergoes polymeriation covalently with a bis‐alkyne‐functionalized biphenyl derivative in one dimension as a result of a rapid and efficient β‐cyclodextrin(CD)‐accelerated, cucurbit[6]uril(CB)‐templated azide–alkyne cycloaddition, while 2) the aromatic core of the dication is able to dimerize in a criss‐cross fashion by dint of π–π interactions, enabling simultaneous supramolecular assembly, resulting in an extended polymer network in an orthogonal dimension.     

Study and Modeling of Metal Oxide Solubilization in (w/o) Microemulsions

Water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsions are very appealing reaction media due to their ability to provide huge surface of contact between water-soluble and oil-soluble reactants. Their application as reaction media, including the preparation of nanoparticles, is, however, limited to water soluble precursors. In this study, we present a first step scheme in a two-step process for the preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles starting from their water-insoluble metal oxide bulk powder. This step involves solubilizing the metal oxide in the water pools of the microemulsion with the aid of a solubilizing agent. The variables affecting the solubilizing capacity of iron and copper oxides, as examples of important metal oxides, in single HCl-containing AOT/water/isooctane microemulsions were investigated. The effect of the following variables on the solubilization capacity is reported, namely, mixing time, surfactant concentration, water to surfactant mole ratio (R), and the nominal concentration of HCl in the water pool. At 300-rpm, time-invariant concentration of the metals in the microemulsions was achieved in about 6 hours. These values were quoted as the solubilization capacity of the metal oxide at the corresponding conditions. Solubilization capacity increased linearly with the surfactant concentration and R, and portrait a power function with the nominal concentration of HCl in the water pool. A mathematical model previously derived to describe nanoparticle uptake by single microemulsion accurately accounted for the effect of the aforementioned variables on the solubilization capacity.     

Artificial Caries Lesion Characteristics after Secondary Demineralization with Theobromine-Containing Protocol

Developing artificial caries lesions with varying characteristics is needed to adequately study caries process in vitro. The objective of this study was to investigate artificial caries lesion characteristics after secondary demineralization protocol containing theobromine and fluoride. Sixty bovine enamel slabs (4 × 3 mm) were demineralized using a Carbopol-containing protocol for 6 days. A baseline area (2 × 3 mm) was protected with acid-resistant nail varnish, after which specimens were exposed for 24 h to a secondary demineralization protocol containing acetic acid plus one of four fluoride/theobromine combinations (n = 15): theobromine (50 or 200 ppm) and fluoride (0 or 1 ppm). Specimens were sectioned and analyzed using transverse microradiography for changes in mineral content, lesion depth, and surface layer mineralization. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni test at 0.05 significance level. After secondary demineralization, fluoride-containing groups had significantly deeper lesions (p = 0.002 and 0.014) compared to the group with 0 ppm fluoride and 50 ppm theobromine. Mineral content and lesion depth were significantly different compared to baseline for all groups. Theobromine did not show an added effect on mineral uptake. Theobromine-containing groups exhibited particularly deep lesions with a more uniform mineral profile in the presence of fluoride.     

Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Nigella sativa Extract: A Smart Antibacterial Therapeutic Drug Delivery System

Flaky graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Hummer’s method and then capped with polyethylene glycol (PEG) by an esterification reaction, then loaded with Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed extract. Aiming to investigate their potential use as a smart drug delivery system against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the spectral and structural characteristics of GO-PEG NPs were comprehensively analyzed by XRD, AFM, TEM, FTIR, and UV- Vis. XRD patterns revealed that GO-PEG had different crystalline structures and defects, as well as a higher interlayer spacing. AFM results showed GONPs with the main grain size of 24.41 nm, while GONPs–PEG revealed graphene oxide aggregation with the main grain size of 287.04 nm after loading N. sativa seed extract, which was verified by TEM examination. A strong OH bond appeared in FTIR spectra. Furthermore, UV- Vis absorbance peaks at (275, 284, 324, and 327) nm seemed to be correlated with GONPs, GO–PEG, N. sativa seed extract, and GO –PEG- N. sativa extract. The drug delivery system was observed to destroy the bacteria by permeating the bacterial nucleic acid and cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in the loss of cell wall integrity, nucleic acid damage, and increased cell-wall permeability.