TEMPO-mediated surface oxidation of cellulose whiskers

Cellulose whiskers resulting from HCl acid hydrolysis of tunicin were subjected to TEMPO-mediated oxidation under various conditions and the extent of the resulting oxidation was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), conductimetry, X-Ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). With degree of oxidation of up to 0.1 the samples kept their initial morphological integrity and native crystallinity, but at their surface the hydroxymethyl groups were selectively converted to carboxylic groups, thus imparting a negative surface charge to the whiskers. When dispersed in water these oxidized whiskers did not flocculate and their suspensions appeared birefringent when viewed between cross polarizers, thus indicating a liquid crystalline behavior.     

Structure-direct assembly of hexagonal pencil-like ZnO group whiskers

Hexagonal ZnO group whiskers synthesized from Zn(NH₃)₄²⁺ precursor at 145°C in a structure-directing template solvent (2.5% v/v alcohol) show strong photoluminescence at 409 and 420 nm. FE-SEM and TEM observation reveals that the ZnO group whiskers consist of uniform pencil-like whiskers with the diameter of around 1.5 μm and the length of up to 6 μm.     

Physicochemical and functional peculiarities of metal oxide whiskers

Practical aspects of preparation and prospects for practical use of a series of the metal oxide whiskers were studied. The procedures for the synthesis were proposed, and the phase composition, micromorphology, and electrochemical and sensor characteristics of the macroscopic (up to 5–10 mm long) whiskers in the Ba-V-O, Ba-Mn-O, and Sn-O systems were analyzed. The electroconducting BaV₈O_21-δ whiskers were prepared by the hydrothermal treatment. These whiskers possess stable electrochemical characteristics appropriate for the development of novel secondary current sources. The protonated form of the Ba₆Mn₂₄O₄₈ whiskers produced by the isothermal vaporization of chloride fluxes is a mixed conductor with the proton and electron conductivity at a level of mS units at 25 °C. A new procedure by the thermal disproportionation of tin(ii) oxide under nitrogen was proposed for the growth of SnO₂ whiskers of various morphology. The produced whiskers have substantial sensor sensitivity toward a series of toxic components of the gaseous medium, such as nitrogen dioxide. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 5, pp. 1023–1034, May, 2008.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cr-MSU-1 and its catalytic application for oxidation of styrene

Chromium-containing mesoporous silica material Cr-MSU-1 was synthesized using lauryl alcohol-polyoxyethylene (23) ether as templating agent under the neutral pH condition by two-step method. The sample was characterized by XRD, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, ESR, ICP-AES and N₂ adsorption. Its catalytic performance for oxidation of styrene was studied. Effects of the solvent used, the styrene/H₂O₂ mole ratio and the reaction temperature and time on the oxidation of styrene over the Cr-MSU-1 catalyst were examined. The results indicate that Cr ions have been successfully incorporated into the framework of MSU-1 and the Cr-MSU-1 material has a uniform worm-like holes mesoporous structure. After Cr-MSU-1 is calcined, most of Cr³⁺ is oxidized to Cr⁵⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ in tetrahedral coordination and no extra-framework Cr₂O₃ is formed. The Cr-MSU-1 catalyst is highly active for the selective oxidation of styrene and the main reaction products over Cr-MSU-1 are benzaldehyde and phenylacetaldehyde. Its catalytic performance remains stable within five repeated runs and no leaching is noticed for this chromium-based catalyst.     

Investigation into the surface modification of aragonite whiskers

Aragonite whiskers (AWs) were treated with several fatty acid surfactants and silane coupling agent in order to determine the optimal modifier by using contact angle measurements. The results revealed that the AWs modified by fatty acids showed more remarkable increase in the contact angle than by silane, suggesting the former were preferentially applied in modifying AWs. While the samples coated with fatty acids exhibited hydrophobicity with contact angles ranging from 104.08° to 137.87° with increasing of carbon chain length. Therefore, the highest contact angle of AWs treated by oleic acid was discussed in detail as an example, which was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermo‐gravimetry analyses (TGA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). FESEM and TEM results showed a thin layer coated on the modified sample surface. Both the results of TGA and XPS confirmed organic groups existed in the sample of AWs treated by oleic acid. FTIR demonstrated that calcium dioleate was formed in the modification process. Further, modification mechanism was proposed based on the obtained results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal dissociation of iron carbonyls during growth of iron whiskers

Methods for the preparation of iron whiskers in chemical transport reactions of thermal dissociation of iron penta- and dodecacarbonyls and carbidocarbonyl clusters Fe₅C(CO)₁₅ were described. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the whiskers were studied. The main factors determining the growth rate and mechanical properties of the whiskers were revealed. A model for the mechanism of thermal dissociation of iron carbonyls was proposed. This process was shown to be a chain radical ion reaction initiated via the scheme of activating complex formation. Analogies between the thermal dissociation of iron carbonyls in the adsorption layer and the known radical ion processes in the liquid and gas phases were found.Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1826–1836, September, 2004.     

Surface treatment of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers through plasma polymerization

The surface of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) whiskers was treated through plasma polymerization to increase the compatibility between the MOS whiskers and a polymer matrix. Different plasma parameters were chosen to determine the most hydrophobic coating. The surface structure of the plasma-treated MOS whiskers was examined. The MOS whiskers retained their crystal structure after plasma treatment, as shown by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses revealed that a polymer sheath was formed on the surface of the MOS whiskers, and interfacial chemical bonds were generated between the polymer sheath and the MOS whiskers. The thin-layer polymer sheath was uniform around the entire surface of the MOS whiskers and exhibited a typical amorphous structure, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analyses. The possible reaction mechanism on the surface of the MOS whiskers under plasma treatment was then proposed. Finally, the effect of surface treatment was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), measurement of the contact angle and contact angle hysteresis, and torque rheometer. Results showed that plasma treatment could markedly increase the hydrophobicity of the MOS whiskers' surface, effectively reducing the agglomeration and improving the dispersibility of the MOS whiskers in the matrix, which results in the improved compatibility between the MOS whiskers and the polyvinyl matrix, as well as the processability of the composites.     

无添加剂条件下文石型碳酸钙晶须制备及影响因素研究

在不加任何结晶控制剂或模板条件下,以CaCl2和Na2CO3为原料,利用复分解反应法制备了具有较好形貌和高长径比,且分布均一的文石型碳酸钙晶须,并利用扫描电镜(SEM)、X-射线粉末衍射(PXRD)和傅里叶转换红外光谱图(FT-IR)等手段对其进行了表征。研究了浓度、滴加速度、反应温度、搅拌速度以及滴加方式等因素对碳酸钙晶须的影响。结果表明最佳制备工艺为:CaC12溶液与Na2CO3溶液的浓度为0.05 mol.L-1,溶液滴加速度为1 mL.min-1,反应体系温度为80℃,搅拌速度为250 r.min-1。     

Semi-global mechanisms for the oxidation of diammonium phosphate impregnated wood

Thermogravimetric measurements in air of fir wood impregnated with diammonium phosphate in the concentration range 2-20% and heating rates between 5 and 20 K/min show the existence of three sequential stages: wood decomposition, induction and char oxidation. The additive causes an anticipation in the decomposition stage up to about 100 K, a reduction in the maximum rate up to a factor of three and an increase in the charred solid residue from about 30 to 60%. The total duration of the induction and oxidation stages is also increased. The experimental curves are interpreted by either a three-step mechanism (one reaction for each stage) or a seven-step mechanism (three reactions for decomposition and two reactions for the induction and oxidation stages). The estimated kinetic parameters are independent from the heating rate but vary with the diammonium phosphate concentration. However, for both mechanisms, the activation energies of the various steps remain practically constant except for the decomposition of the cellulose component or the decomposition step, depending on the complexity of the mechanism.     

Nanocomposite materials from latex and cellulose whiskers

Composite materials were processed by casting a mixture of aqueous suspensions of latex and microfibrils. These microfibrils, or whiskers, are extracted from a sea animal and are monocrystals of cellulose, with an aspect ratio around 100 and an average diameter of 20 nm. It has been found that the mechanical properties (shear modulus) are increased by more than two orders of magnitude in the rubbery state of the polymeric matrix, when the whisker content was 6% (w/w). This very large effect is discussed on the basis of different types of mechanical models and it is concluded that these whiskers form a rigid network, probably linked by hydrogen bonds. The formation of this network is assumed to be governed by a percolation mechanism.     

Effects of cellulose whiskers on properties of soy protein thermoplastics

Environmentally-friendly SPI/cellulose whisker composites were successfully prepared using a colloidal suspension of cellulose whiskers, to reinforce soy protein isolate (SPI) plastics. The cellulose whiskers, having an average length of 1.2 microm and diameter of 90 nm, respectively, were prepared from cotton linter pulp by hydrolyzing with sulfuric acid aqueous solution. The effects of the whisker content on the morphology and properties of the glycerol-plasticized SPI composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, water-resistivity testing and tensile testing. The results indicated that, with the addition of 0 to 30 wt.-% of cellulose whiskers, strong interactions occurred both between the whiskers and between the filler and the SPI matrix, reinforcing the composites and preserving their biodegradability. Both the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the SPI/cellulose whisker composites increased from 5.8 to 8.1 MPa and from 44.7 to 133.2 MPa, respectively, at a relative humidity of 43%, following an increase of the whisker content from 0 to 30 wt.-%. Furthermore, the incorporation of the cellulose whiskers into the SPI matrix led to an improvement in the water resistance for the SPI-based composites.     

Natural rubber composites reinforced with basic magnesium oxysulfate whiskers: Processing and ultraviolet resistance/flame retardant properties

The Magnesium sulfate whiskers (MOSw) were first modified by Stearic acid or Si69, and Natural rubber (NR)/modified-MOSw composites were prepared by blending the modified-MOSw with natural rubber latex. By adding modified-MOS_W into NR, the mechanical properties, the anti-ultraviolet aging property, flammability, and thermal stability of composites were improved obviously. The mechanical properties, crosslink density and thermal stability of composites reach the highest value at 4 wt% Si69-MOS_W. The composite with MOS_W addtion had a higher retention rate after ultraviolet irradiation and the MOS_W could improve the anti-ultraviolet aging property of rubber matrix. The modified MOS_W can effectively improve the oxygen index and the flame retardant grade of rubber composites.     

氮化铝的研究进展

AIN在热、电、光和机械等方面具有非常良好的综合性能。本文综述了近年来AIN在导热机理、粉末其及薄膜制备等领域的研究进展，展望了AIN未来的发展趋势。     

Mechanistic studies of hydrogen-peroxide-mediated anthocyanin oxidation

The oxidation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside by hydrogen peroxide was investigated in a range of solvents. The reaction products had chemical structures identical to those formed by the reaction of this compound with the alkylperoxyl radical 2,2?-azobis(2,4-dimethyl)valeronitrile. A plausible oxidation mechanism was proposed based on the obtained reaction products, and this mechanism was confirmed by HPLC–MS experiments using ¹⁸O-labeled reagents. Further, the reaction conditions were found to influence both the reaction rate and the products formed during the transformation, which validated the proposed mechanism.     

Vapor-solid growth and characterization of aluminum nitride nanocones

Aluminum nitride nanostructures are attractive for many promising applications in semiconductor nanotechnology. Herein we report on vapor-solid growth of quasi-aligned aluminum nitride nanocones on catalyst-coated wafers via the reactions between AlCl3 vapor and NH3 gas under moderate temperatures around 700 degrees C, and the growth mechanism is briefly discussed. The as-prepared wurtzite aluminum nitride nanocones grow preferentially along the c-axis with adjustable dimensions of the sharp tips in the range of 20-60 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum reveals a broad blue emission band with a fine photon structure while the field emission study shows a notable emission current with a moderate turn-on field as expected, suggesting their potential applications in light and electron emission nanodevices.     

Synthesis and characterization of faceted hexagonal aluminum nitride nanotubes

The synthesis of the faceted single-crystalline h-AlN nanotubes with the length of a few micrometers and diameters from 30 to 80 nm is first reported. This provides an ideal substrate for the construction of GaN-based nanoheterostructures in future nanoelectronics. The experimental results suggest the further extensive experimental and theoretical studies on the promising nonlayered nanotubular structures.     

环氧丙烷的合成及反应机理

综述了环氧丙烷的合成方法,包括氯醇法、间接氧化法(Halcon法)、丙烯的H_2O_2氧化法及生物催化氧化法,探讨了Halcon过程的反应机理。概述了环氧丙烷的主要用途。参考文献26篇。     

Total synthesis of neopeltolide and analogs

Neopeltolide, a potent cytotoxin from a Carribean sponge, was synthesized through a brief sequence that highlights the use of ethers as oxocarbenium ion precursors. Other key steps include an acid-mediated etherification and sequence that features a Sonogashira reaction, an intramolecular alkyne hydrosilylation reaction, and a Tamao oxidation. The alkene that is required for the oxidative cyclization can be hydrogenated to provide access to the natural product or an epimer, or can be epoxidized or dihydroxylated to form polar analogs.     

A rapid and convenient oxidation of secondary alcohols

A rapid (normally 20 min to 2 h) and selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones can be achieved using 0.4 equivalents trichloroisocyanuric acid and 1.2 equivalents pyridine at room temperature in ethyl acetate. A likely mechanism for the reaction is proposed.     

Synthesis and oxidation of bis(triphenylgermyl)zinc

Bis(triphenylgermyl)zinc (Ph₃Ge)₂Zn (1), prepared by the reaction of diethylzinc (Et₂Zn) with two molar amounts of triphenylgermane (Ph₃GeH), was easily reacted by a small amount of oxygen to give tetrameric oxide (Ph₃GeZnO)₄ (2). Four zinc and four oxygen atoms in 2 are arranged such that a cube is formed as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Further oxidation of 2 led to the formation of digermoxane, (Ph₃Ge)₂O as a final product.