Polymer-solvent interaction parameters of SBS rubbers by inverse gas chromatography measurements

The solubility parameters of two SBS commercial rubbers with different structures (lineal and radial), and with slightly different styrene content have been determined by inverse gas chromatography technique. The Flory–Huggins interaction parameters of several polymer–solvent mixtures have also been calculated. The influence of the polymer composition, the solvent molecular weight and the temperature over these parameters have been discussed; besides, these parameters have been compared with previous ones, obtained by intrinsic viscosity measurements. From the Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, the infinite dilution activity coefficients of the solvents have been calculated and fitted to the well-known NRTL model. These NRTL binary interaction parameters have a great importance in modelling the separation steps in the process of obtaining the rubber.

Mechanical properties of wood from Pinus sylvestris L. treated with Light Organic Solvent Preservative and with waterbone Copper Azole

El objetivo del estudio es determinar el efecto de tratamiento de la madera de Pinus sylvestris con sustancias protectoras en las propiedades mecánicas. Para ello se utilizan 40 muestras de madera libre de defectos de Pinus sylvestris L. tratándose con protectores orgánicos (Vacsol Azure WR 2601) 50 con protectores hidrosolubles (Tanalith E 3492) y 40 muestras de control sin tratamiento. Se evaluó la resistencia mecánica a la flexión estática, módulo de elasticidad y la fuerza de compresión paralela a la fibra fueron comparados con madera no tratada. El análisis de regresión entre la penetración y la fuerza de compresión paralela se realizó con las muestras tratadas con conservante a base de agua. Resultados principales: Los resultados indican que la madera tratada (con cualquiera de los productos) presenta un aumento estadísticamente significativo de la resistencia mecánica en todas las tres características mecánicas. Los resultados obtenidos difieren de estudios anteriores llevada a cabo por otros autores. No hubo correlación entre la resistencia a la compresión en paralelo y el grado de impregnación de la madera con base de agua de cobre azoles. La explicación más probable para estos resultados se refiere a cambios en la presión durante el tratamiento. El uso de muestras de control no tratadas en lugar de las muestras tratadas sólo con agua es más probable para producir resultados significativos en los estudios de resistencia mecánica . La investigación pone de relieve que la madera tratada presenta un aumento estadísticamente significativo en el Modulo de Elasticidad, módulo de rotura a la flexión estática y resistencia a la compresión paralela. No hubo correlación entre la resistencia a la compresión en paralelo y el grado de impregnación con conservante hidrosoluble.

Effect of solute and matric potential on growth rate of fungal species isolated from cheese

The effect of water potential ( J w ) on the growth of 15 fungal species isolated from cheeses was analysed. The species, identified mainly by analysis of DNA sequences, belonged to genera Penicillium , Geotrichum , Mucor , Aspergillus , Microascus and Talaromyces . Particularly, the effect of matric potential ( J m ), and ionic (NaCl) and non-ionic (glycerol) solute potentials ( J s ) on growth rate was studied. The response of strains was highly dependent on the type of J w . For J s , clear profiles for optimal, permissive and marginal conditions for growth were obtained, and differences in growth rate were achieved comparing NaCl and glycerol for most of the species. Conversely, a sustained growth was obtained for J m in all the strains, with the exception of Aspergillus pseudoglaucus , whose growth increased proportionally to the level of water stress. Our results might help to understand the impact of environmental factors on the ecophysiology and dynamics of fungal populations associated to cheeses.

Effect of solute and matric potential on growth rate of fungal species isolated from cheese

The effect of water potential ( J w ) on the growth of 15 fungal species isolated from cheeses was analysed. The species, identi fi ed mainly by analysis of DNA sequences, belonged to genera Penicillium, Geotrichum, Mucor , Aspergillus , Microascus and Talaromyces . Particularly, the effect of matric potential ( J m ), and ionic (NaCl) and non-ionic (glycerol) solute potentials ( J s ) on growth rate was studied. The response of strains was highly dependent on the type of J w . For J s, clear profiles for optimal, permissive and marginal conditions for growth were obtained, and differences in growth rate were achieved comparing NaCl and glycerol for most of the species. Conversely, a sustained growth was obtained for J m in all the strains, with the exception of Aspergillus pseudoglaucus, whose growth increased proportionally to the level of water stress. Our results might help to understand the impact of environmental factors on the ecophysiology and dynamics of fungal populations associated to cheeses.