Prediction of Cassava Starch Edible Film Properties by Chemometric Analysis of Infrared Spectra

Cassava starch has been shown to make transparent and colorless flexible films without any previous chemical treatment. The functional properties of edible films are influenced by starch properties, including chain conformation, molecular bonding, crystallinity, and water content. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) has been applied for the elucidation of the structure and conformation of carbohydrates. This technique associated with chemometric data processing could indicate the relationship between the structural parameters and the functional properties of cassava starch–based edible films. Successful prediction of the functional properties values of the starch–based films was achieved by partial least squares regression data. The results showed that presence of the hydroxyl group on carbon 6 of the cyclic part of glucose is directly correlated with the functional properties of cassava starch films.     

Stress-concentration factors for superposed notches

A solution is proposed for the plane problem of two circular notches of variable radius and position superposed at the edges of a strip. The equation proposed is based on some assumptions suggested formerly by Mowbray and others and that are valid in particular cases of superposition. The solution is based upon Neuber's equations for deep and shallow notches. Theoretical values of stress-concentration factors are compared with experimental results obtained from strain gages and photoelasticity in a series of tests performed at the Istituto Dinamometrico of Turin, Italy.     

Studies of the Interaction of the Salicylideneserinatecopper(II) Complex with β-Cyclodextrin: Characterization and Reactivity of the Inclusion Compound

The compound formed by the copper-Schiff base complex salicylideneserinatecopper(II), [Cu(sal-ser)(H2O)], interacting with -cyclodextrin was prepared, and characterized in the solid state by infrared, UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies, X- ray diffraction, and thermoanalytical techniques. The catalytic activity of this compound, [Cu(sal-ser)CD], in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and in the dismutation of superoxide radicals was also verified, in comparison with the reactivity of the free complex, in aqueous solution. In both cases, a decreasing in the reaction rate was observed for the CD-containing compound. The results of structural characterization, in addition to the substantial differences observed in the catalytic activities of the compounds, are indicative of partial insertion of the copper complex in the cavity of the oligosaccharide.     

A synthetic entry to isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)thione and isothiazolo[4,3-d]isoxazole

4-Thiocarbamoyl-5-aminoisoxazole 4 was used as a convenient starting material for preparing both isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-4(5H)thiones 5 and 4-aminoisothiazolo[4,3-d]isoxazole 6 . The structure of the latter compound was definitively assigned by X-ray analysis.     

Thermal Decomposition of Hydrated Lanthanide Picrates by TG/DTG and DSC Analyses

Hydrated lanthanide picrates with a composition of: Ln(pic)₃⋅xH₂O (Ln=La–Lu, Y) were synthesized and characterized. Thermal decomposition of the picrates by TG/DTG and DSC techniques are reported. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis of 4-thiocarbamoyl-5-aminopyrazoles

Aryl and t-butylhydrazines react with 2-cyano-3-ethoxythiocrotonamide affording 2-cyano-3-aryl-t-butylhy-drazinothiocrotonamides. These intermediates can be easily cyclized to 4-thiocarbamoyl-5-aminopyrazoles by heating a few minutes in a strong base. Alkylhydrazines react with 2-cyano-3-ethoxythiocrotonamide yielding directly a mixture of the cyclized compounds 4-cyano-5-aminopyrazoles and 4-thiocarbamoyl-5-aminopyr-azoles.     

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Casein and Carbon Black for Bisphenol A Detection

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical, which can lead to various adverse health effects. Aiming to develop effective tools for the detection of BPA, this work reports a low cost and stable film based on casein (CAS) and Carbon Black (CB). The proposed material (CAS‐CB) showed structures of CAS surrounded by CB agglomerates observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis illustrated characteristic bands of casein. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of BPA using the CAS‐CB. Under optimal conditions, LSV detection presented a limit of detection of 0.25 μmol L^?1 in a linear range from 0.49 to 24 μmol L^?1. Additionally, the working electrode (GC) modified by the proposed film (CAS‐CB) was applied for BPA sensing in environmental and milk samples. The results showed recoveries between 95.4 to 114 % attesting the efficiency of this new material, which has simplicity in the preparation, high conductivity, and adsorption capability.     

Polyaniline/thermoplastic polyurethane blends: Preparation and evaluation of electrical conductivity

Conducting polymer blends whose undiluted components have different properties are promising materials for specific applications and have attracted interest in recent years. The aim of this study was to obtain and evaluate the electrical conductivity of polyaniline doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (PAni.DBSA)/polyurethane thermoplastic (TPU) blends. The PAni.DBSA was synthesized from DBSA-aniline (DBSAn) salt through an emulsion polymerization in tetrahydrofurane (THF) or in the presence of polyurethane thermoplastic solution, resulting in pure PAni.DBSA or PAni.DBSA/TPU blends. Blends of PAni.DBSA/TPU were also prepared through casting, at room temperature, after dissolving both components in THF as a common solvent. The insulator-conductor transition was very sharp and the percolation threshold was lower than 2.7 wt% of PAni.DBSA. The electrical conductivity of PAni.DBSA/TPU blends, prepared by both methods, reached maximum values at a PAni.DBSA concentration of 40 wt%, close to the value observed for the undiluted conducting polymer. However, for a PAni.DBSA content lower than 30 wt%, the electrical conductivity was dependent on the blend preparation method. Blends were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and optical microscopy. The electrical conducting characteristics of the PAni.DBSA/TPU blends prepared using different procedures indicate a high potential for their successful application in electrical processes.