The Role of Titanium Dioxide on the Hydration of Portland Cement: A Combined NMR and Ultrasonic Study

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is an excellent photocatalytic material that imparts biocidal, self-cleaning and smog-abating functionalities when added to cement-based materials. The presence of TiO₂ influences the hydration process of cement and the development of its internal structure. In this article, the hydration process and development of a pore network of cement pastes containing different ratios of TiO₂ were studied using two noninvasive techniques (ultrasonic and NMR). Ultrasonic results show that the addition of TiO₂ enhances the mechanical properties of cement paste during early-age hydration, while an opposite behavior is observed at later hydration stages. Calorimetry and NMR spin–lattice relaxation time T₁ results indicated an enhancement of the early hydration reaction. Two pore size distributions were identified to evolve separately from each other during hydration: small gel pores exhibiting short T₁ values and large capillary pores with long T₁ values. During early hydration times, TiO₂ is shown to accelerate the formation of cement gel and reduce capillary porosity. At late hydration times, TiO₂ appears to hamper hydration, presumably by hindering the transfer of water molecules to access unhydrated cement grains. The percolation thresholds were calculated from both NMR and ultrasonic data with a good agreement between both results.     

Adsorbing behavior of polycarboxylate superplasticizer in the presence of the ester group in side chain

The effect of the ester group in side chain on adsorbing behavior and dispersion of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PC) was studied by comparing the performance of two types of PC. The fluidity of cement paste was tested to discuss the dispersing ability and dispersing retention ability of PC. The total organic carbon analyzer was used to measure the adsorption amount, and the adsorption layer was obtained by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and pH value were used to verify the stability of the ester group, and the electrokinetic properties of cement particle were confirmed using the zeta potential measurement. The results show that the ester group in side chain reduces the initial dispersing ability while it increases the dispersing retention ability. The dispersing retention ability depends on the increase of adsorption amount and adsorption layer in 5–60 minutes, and the greater increase leads to the better dispersing retention ability. The ester group can be decomposed to release carboxyl group to enhance the adsorbing ability of PC under the condition of cement hydration, which is the main reason for the greater increase of adsorption amount and adsorption layer and the improvement in dispersing retention ability. It suggests that grafting the ester group is a good way to enhance the dispersing retention ability.     

Experimental Study on Viscosity of Colloidal Silica in Aqueous Electrolytic Solutions

The relative viscosity of colloidal silica dispersion in aqueous electrolytic solutions as the function of volume fraction of dry particles in the solutions has been experimentally determined in this work, in order to study the effects of pH and electrolytes (Na₂SO₄ and AlCl₃) on the hydration of the silica surfaces in the solutions. The results have shown that the maximum relative viscosity of the silica dispersion and the strongest hydration of the silica in aqueous solutions appeared at neutral pH, while the stronger the acidity and the alkalinity of the aqueous solution, the weaker the hydration. In the presence of the electrolytes (Na₂SO₄ and AlCl₃), the relative viscosity of the silica dispersion reduced and the hydration of the silica in aqueous solutions became weak. The higher the concentration of the electrolytes, the weaker the hydration, indicating that the destabilization of the colloidal silica dispersion in aqueous solutions might be realized through adding the high-valence electrolytes to weaken the hydration of the particle surfaces (hydration forces between the particles). Also, it has been shown that the negative zeta potentials of the colloidal silica in aqueous solutions greatly reduced in the presence of the electrolytes. Therefore, the high-valence electrolytes (Na₂SO₄ and AlCl₃) as the coagulant of colloidal silica in aqueous solutions might be originated from that the presence of the electrolytes simultaneously reduces the electrical double layer repulsive force and the hydration repulsive forces between the particles in aqueous solutions.     

Catalyst free cyclocondensation of β-ethylthio-β-indolyl-α, β-unsaturated ketones with hydrazines: Efficient synthesis of 3-pyrazolyl indoles

Abstract

Catalyst free cyclocondensation of β-ethylthio-β-indolyl-α,β-unsaturated ketones with hydrazines has been developed, and 3-pyrazolyl indoles were efficiently synthesized in excellent yields. The catalyst free protocol avoids the use of a large excess of catalysts such as acids and bases, eliminating the discharge of harmful chemicals.     

Properties of polyethylene modified with phosphonate side groups. II. Dynamic mechanical behavior

The viscoelastic behavior of phosphonate derivatives of phosphonylated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was studied by dynamic mechanical techniques. The polymers investigated contained from 0.2 to 9.1 phosphonate groups per 100 carbon atoms and included the dimethyl phosphonate derivative and two derivatives for which the phosphonate ester group was an oligomer of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The temperature dependences of the storage and loss moduli of the dimethyl phosphonate derivatives were qualitatively similar to those of LDPE. At low phosphonate concentrations, the α, β, and γ dispersion regions characteristic of PE were observed, while at concentrations greater than 0.5 pendent groups per 100 carbons atoms, only the β and α relaxations could be discerned. At low degrees of substitution, the temperature of the β relaxation T_β decreased from that of PE, but above a degree of substitution of 0.1, T_β increased. This behavior was attributed to the competing influences of steric effects which tend to decrease T_β and dipolar interactions between the phosphonate groups which increase T_β. For the phosphonate containing PEO, a new dispersion region designated as the β′ relaxation was observed as a low-temperature shoulder of the β relaxation. The temperature of the β′ loss was consistent with T_g(U) of the PEO oligomers as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and it is suggested that the β′-loss process results from the relaxation of PEO domains which constitute a discrete phase within the PE matrix.     

Spectral Differences of the Molecule-ion Adducts of β-Cyclodextrin and Lithium Carbonate

A small shielding effect on the hydrogen atoms of chiral carbons of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was detected by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, but a large environmental change of the chiral carbon atoms at high concentration ratios of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) to β-CD was observed by polarimetry in aqueous solution. These findings urged us to investigate whether different formation conditions of the molecule-ion system between Li₂CO₃ and β-CD in solid state were involved in different spectral performances. To answer the question, we prepared three adducts of Li₂CO₃ to β-CD, i.e., samples 1, 2, and 3, by magnetic stirring, solvothermal and grinding conditions, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy provided the information of formation of the three molecule-ion adducts. Besides, scanning electron microscope images provided different surface information of the three adducts. Further, significant spectral differences in thermal behavior of these adducts were found by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry.     

NICKEL(II) AND ZINC(II) COMPLEXES OF β-ALANINEHYDROXAMIC ACID

Abstract

Potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies of Ni(II) coordination to β-alaninehydroxamix acid (β-Alaha) have shown 4N coordination of β-Alaha for 1:2 species and their planar geometry. The geometry of the species formed in the nickel(II)-β-Alaha below ca. pH 7 is octahedral. The differences between the stabilities of zinc(II)-β-Alaha and zinc(II)-α-alaninehydroxamic acid complexes can be explained by the terdentate coordination of the β-alaninehydroxamic acid.     

Lessons learned from fires of the wood caused by the spontaneous combustion of coal dust in underground mines

The capture of CO₂ and SO₂ from industrial gas effluents has been done usually by lime-containing products. For this purpose, cement pastes also can be used, due mainly to their calcium hydroxide content formed during hydration. To select the best cement for this purpose, TG and DTG curves of different Portland cement pastes (types I, II, III and G), prepared with a water-to-cement ratio (W/C) equal to 0.5, were analyzed at different ages, at same operating conditions. The curves were transformed into respective cement calcined and initial mass basis, to have a common and same composition reference basis, for a correct quantitative hydration data comparison. This procedure also shows that there is an unavoidable partial drying effect of the pastes before starting their analysis, which randomly decreases the W/C ratio at which were prepared, which indicates that, when results are compared on respective paste initial mass basis, assuming that the ratio W/C has not changed, possible calculation errors may be done. Type I, II and G analyzed cements have shown similar hydration characteristics as a function of time, while the analyzed type III cement has shown a different hydration behavior, mainly due to its highest Al₂O₃ and lowest SO₃ contents, promoting the formation of hydrated calcium aluminates, by the pozzolanic action of the excess of alumina, consuming Ca(OH)₂, which final content at 28 days was the lowest one, among the hydrated cements.     

Serine and Threonine Schiff Base Esters React with β-Anomeric Peracetates in the Presence of BF3·Et2O to Produce β-Glycosides

Improved procedures are reported for the glycosylation of L-serine and L-threonine utilizing activated Schiff base glycosyl acceptors, which are less expensive and more efficient alternatives to published methods. L-serine or L-threonine benzyl ester hydrochloride salts were reacted with the diarylketimine bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-methanimine in CH₃CN at rt to form the more nucleophilic Schiff bases 3a and 3b in excellent yield. These Schiff bases exhibited ring-chain tautomerism in CDCl₃ as shown by ¹H NMR. Schiff bases 3a and 3b, acting as glycosyl acceptors, reacted at rt with simple sugar peracetate donors with BF₃·OEt₂ promotion to provide the corresponding L-serine and L-threonine O-linked glycosides in excellent yields and purities. The dipeptide ester Schiff base Ar₂C = N-Ser-Val-OCH₃ 3e also reacted to provide β-glycosides in excellent yields, and without epimerization. With microwave irradiation the reactions were complete in 2 to 5 min. To investigate this reaction further, classical AgOTf-promoted Koenigs-Knorr reaction of D-glucopyranosyl, lactosyl, and maltosyl bromides were examined, providing the β-glycosides with yields ranging from 35% to 68%. The difference in reactivity between α- and β-carbohydrate peracetate donors was remarkable. The less configurationally stable D-xylopyranosyl tetra-acetate (a pentose) showed no selectivity (αvsβ-configuration) toward the Schiff bases.     

Alternative Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Titanocene(III)-β-Diketonate Complexes

Abstract

Reaction of titanocene prepared from Cp₂TiCl₂ and 2n-BuLi with β-diketones (β-diketone = 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione, 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione or 3-ethyl-2,4-pentanedione) afforded the titanocene(III) β-diketonate complex. The compounds [Ti(η⁵-Cp)₂(1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate)] and [Ti(η⁵?Cp)₂(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionate)] have been characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Diffusion coefficients of β-cyclodextrin sulfated sodium salt in aqueous solutions

The Taylor dispersion technique has been used for measuring mutual diffusion coefficients of β-cyclodextrin sulfated sodium salt (NaSO₃βCD) at temperatures (298.15 and 310.15) K and at finite concentrations. These studies have been complemented by density and viscosity measurements. From these experimental results, the hydrodynamic radius R_h, and its dependence on the viscosity, diffusion coefficient at infinitesimal concentration, D⁰, ion conductivity of NaSO₃βCD and the thermodynamic factor, F_T, have been estimated, permitting us to have a better understanding of the structure of the aqueous system containing NaSO₃βCD.     

Water-Insensitive Synthesis of Poly-β-Peptides with Defined Architecture

Biocompatible and proteolysis-resistant poly-β-peptides have broad applications and are dominantly synthesized via the harsh and water-sensitive ring-opening polymerization of β-lactams in a glovebox or using a Schlenk line, catalyzed by the strong base LiN(SiMe₃)₂. We have developed a controllable and water-insensitive ring-opening polymerization of β-amino acid N-thiocarboxyanhydrides (β-NTAs) that can be operated in open vessels to prepare poly-β-peptides in high yields, with diverse functional groups, variable chain length, narrow dispersity and defined architecture. These merits imply wide applications of β-NTA polymerization and resulting poly-β-peptides, which is validated by the finding of a HDP-mimicking poly-β-peptide with potent antimicrobial activities. The living β-NTA polymerization enables the controllable synthesis of random, block copolymers and easy tuning of both terminal groups of polypeptides, which facilitated the unravelling of the antibacterial mechanism using the fluorophore-labelled poly-β-peptide.     

The effect of Cu2+ doping in β-tricalcium phosphate on the hydration mechanism of a brushite cement

Brushite cements show excellent biocompatibility and are therefore an often-used material for bone repair. However, methods to prevent inflammations after surgery are needed. As Cu²⁺ was proven to provide antibacterial properties, as well as other application relevant features, it is a promising additive. Concerning these factors, a brushite cement containing Cu²⁺-doped β-tricalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate, and phytic acid as setting retarder was investigated with powder and in situ X-ray diffraction, isothermal heat flow calorimetry, in situ ¹H-time domain – nuclear magnet resonance, and pore solution analysis. The influence of Cu²⁺ ions on the hydration kinetics of the brushite cement and the locations of the Cu²⁺ ions after completion of the hydration were the main questions of interest. Heat flow calorimetry showed a significant retardation and deceleration of the hydration with increasing Cu²⁺ content in β-tricalcium phosphate. This effect can be directly correlated to the Cu²⁺ ions, as it was also shown for cements without phytic acid. X-ray diffraction showed brushite as main hydrate phase. Additionally, Cu²⁺-doped cements formed a hydrate phase not assignable by X-ray diffraction, which is assumed to be Cu²⁺ containing. Furthermore, Cu²⁺ was detected in the pore solution after the hydration, and no signs of Cu²⁺ incorporation in the crystal structure of brushite were found.     

Molecularly imprinted stationary phase prepared by reverse micro-emulsion polymerization for selective recognition of gatifloxacin in aqueous media

A new stationary phase for selectively recognizing gatifloxacin in aqueous media based on molecularly imprinted microspheres (MIMs) has been prepared by water/oil reverse micro-emulsion polymerization. The MIMs were prepared using gatifloxacin as the template, N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker and acrylamide and acryloyl-β-CD (β-CD-A, synthesized by ester reaction of acrylic acid with β-CD) as combinatorial functional monomers. The surface morphology of MIMs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The properties of MIMs recognition for gatifloxacin in water were studied by adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms combined with Scatchard analysis and selective recognition experiments. The results showed that the synthesized MIMs had an excellent ability to selectively recognize gatifloxacin in aqueous media. MIMs were employed as the chromatographic stationary phase to successfully separate the template gatifloxacin from its analogues. Discovering the mechanism of the MIMs recognition revealed that the memory cavities in the surface of the MIMs and hydrophobic effects between the template and the cavities of the β-CD residues were the primary contributions to the special recognition process.     

Phase Transfer Catalyzed Anomeric Nucleophilic Substitutions with D-Xylopyranosyl Halides

Abstract

Anomeric pairs of per-O-acetylated-D-xylopyranosyl halides were individually treated with a wide variety of nucleophiles under mild PTC conditions. Thus, 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-D-xylopyranosyl bromide 1 provided exclusively the β-D-xylopyranosyl anomers 2-11 in good to excellent yields (65-95%). Alternatively, under the same PTC conditions, 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-xylopyranosyl chloride 13 afforded solely the inverted α-D-anomers 15 (82%) and 16 (67%) upon treatment with thiophenol and sodium azide, respectively. Similarly, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl chloride 19 provided the analogous products 20 (63%) and 21 (31%) upon treatment with thiophenol and sodium azide. In the presence of tetrabutylammonium chloride as PTC catalyst, β-xylopyranosyl chloride 13 was shown to slowly equilibrate to the α-chloride 14. Therefore, care must be taken to avoid PTC catalyst for which counter anions can cause anomerization of the starting glycosyl halides.     

Diverse Modes of Guest Inclusion in a Cyclodextrin: X-ray Structural and Thermal Characterization of a 4:3 β-cyclodextrin—Cyclizine Complex

Abstract

1-Diphenylmethyl-4-methylpiperazine (cyclizine) is an antiemetic drug which forms an inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin of formula (β-cyclodextrin)₄ · (cyclizine)₃ · 50H₂O. This species crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with a = 15.246(1), b = 65.075(5), c = 15.609(1) Å, β = 102.62(1)° and Z = 2 formula units. Complex water content and the host:drug stoichiometric ratio were determined by thermogravimetry and UV spectrophotometry respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the crystals dehydrate in at least two stages and begin to decompose from approximately 250°C. The crystal structure was solved by a combination of Patterson search and direct methods. Isotropic refinement converged at R = 0.094 for 8806 reflections with I > 2σ(I). The unusual stoichiometry is accounted for as follows: the four β-cyclodextrin molecules comprising the asymmetric unit occur as two independent head-to-head dimers, each formed by O—H…O hydrogen bonding across the macro-cyclic secondary surfaces. One dimer contains two cyclizine guest molecules in head-to-tail orientation, thus accounting for two distinct modes of drug inclusion. In the second dimer, only one β-cyclodextrin molecule is significantly occupied by a cyclizine molecule (in a mode analogous to one of those in the first dimer), the other half of the dimer being largely devoid of guest. A possible mechanism for the formation of this unusual structure is proposed and the crystal packing arrangement is shown to be based on a novel disrupted tetrameric channel motif.     

Structural changes in β-lactoglobulin by conjugation with three different kinds of carboxymethyl cyclodextrins

β-Lactoglobulin-carboxymethyl cyclodextrin (β-LG-CMCyD) conjugates were prepared by using water soluble carbodiimide. Three kinds of CMCyDs differing in molecular mass were used to investigate the effects of different CMCyD contents, net charge and hydrophobicity on the structural changes in β-lactoglobulin. The effect of CMCyDs on the structure of β-lactoglobulin was utilized to investigate the contribution of hydrophobic interactions to the stability of the protein. Spectroscopic studies suggested that the conformation around had not changed in either conjugate but the α-helix content of β-LG-CMCyD conjugates had markedly increased as compared with that of β-lactoglobulin. The differential scanning calorimetry technique confirmed that the addition of one glucose unit in β-LG-CMCyD conjugates, enthalpy change of calorimetry decreased and the denaturation temperature of each conjugate was higher than that of native β-lactoglobulin. The heat contents agreed well with the conformational transition measured by molar ellipticity at 222 nm ([θ]₂₂₂) and Stoke's radius (R_S) values. Therefore, hydrophobic forces play an important role in stabilizing and shielding of the β-LG-CMCyD conjugates.     

Physical and chemical studies on cement containing sugarcane molasses

Molasses is generally used as a grinding aid in cement and as a water reducer and retarder in concrete. In China, the output primarily consists of sugarcane molasses. In this paper, the effects of sugarcane molasses on the physical performance and hydration chemistry of conventional Portland cement were investigated. The setting times, the normal consistency of cement pastes, the compressive strengths and fluidities of the mortars were respectively determined according to Chinese Standard GB/T 1346, GB/T17671 and GB/T 2419. The effect of molasses on the hydration kinetics of cement was investigated using a calorimeter. The hydration products and pore size distribution of the cement pastes were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and a mercury injection apparatus. The results show that a small amount of sugarcane molasses retards the setting and hardening of cement paste and increases the fluidity of cement mortar, while excess molasses accelerates the setting and hardening. Molasses improves significantly the compressive strength at 3d due to the decrease of porosity. The addition of 1.0 % molasses accelerates the formation of ettringite, prevents the second hydration of aluminate phase and delays the hydration of C₃S.     

Facile synthesis of (Z)- and (E)-3-allylidene-β-lactams via thermal β-elimination of trans-3-allyl-3-sulfinyl-β-lactams

A competent synthetic route for the synthesis of novel (Z)- and (E)-3-allylidene-β-lactams is described. The strategy involves oxidation of trans-3-allyl-3-phenylthio-β-lactams 1 using sodium metaperiodate (NaIO₄) to diastereomeric trans-3-allyl-3-phenylsulfinyl-β-lactams 2 and 3, which further undergo thermal β-elimination in refluxing carbon tetrachloride to furnish (Z)- and (E)-3-allylidene-β-lactams 5 and 6 in good to excellent yields. The molecular structure of 3b has been established with the help of single crystal X-ray analysis.