Preparation and characterization of natural rubber/silica nanocomposites using rule of similarity in latex

Rule of similarity and latex compounding techniques were combined for the first time to prepare natural rubber/nanosilica (NR/SiO2) nanocomposite with core-shell nanosilica-poly (methyl methacrylate) (SiO 2-PMMA) particles and PMMA-modified natural rubber matrix (NR-PMMA). The microstructure of SiO2 and nanocomposites with different SiO 2 contents was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); the morphology of nanocomposites was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the tensile strength was characterized by tensile testing machine and the thermal stability of composites was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis. Results showed that PMMA chains have successfully grafted onto the surface of SiO2, and the core-shell SiO 2-PMMA nanoparticles and NR-PMMA latex have been perfectly incorporated. SiO2-PMMA nanoparticles are evenly distributed over the NR matrix with an average size in the range of 60-100 nm at the low content (SiO2? 3 wt%), while aggregations are apparently observed when 5 wt% SiO2 is loaded. In addition, NR/SiO2 composities possess a considerable improvement in ageing resistance compared with the pure NR. The tensile strength of composite increases from 6.99 to 12.72 MPa, reaching the highest value at a 0.5 wt% SiO2 loading, and then the figure decreases gradually because of the aggregation of SiO2 nanoparticles. It is anticipated that the reported process is to provide a simple and economic way for preparing NR composites.

Fabrication, characterization and modelling of functionally graded nanocomposites

This research introduced the innovative concept of controlling the composition in nanocomposites for optimizing the mechanical performance; as well as tailoring the thermal and electrical properties for multi-functional applications. It led to the development of novel lighter stronger materials for use in engineering applications such as automotive body and mining equipment.

Reactions with oleum under harsh conditions : characterization of the unique [M(S2O7)3]2- ions (M=Si, Ge, Sn) in A2[M(S2O7)3] (A=NH4, Ag)

The reactions of group 14 tetrachlorides MCl4 (M=Si, Ge, Sn) with oleum (65 % SO3) at elevated temperatures lead to the unique complex ions [M(S2O7)3]2−, which show the central M atoms in coordination with three chelating S2O72− groups. The mean distances M[BOND]O within the anions increase from 175.6(2)–177.5(2) pm (M=Si) to 186.4(4)–187.7(4) pm (M=Ge) to 201.9(2)–203.5(2) pm (M=Sn). These distances are reproduced well by DFT calculations. The same calculations show an increasing positive charge for the central M atom in the row Si, Ge, Sn, which can be interpreted as the decreasing covalency of the M[BOND]O bonds. For the silicon compound (NH4)2[Si(S2O7)3], 29Si solid-state NMR measurements have been performed, with the results showing a signal at −215.5 ppm for (NH4)2[Si(S2O7)3], which is in very good agreement with theoretical estimations. In addition, the vibrational modes within the [MO6] skeleton have been monitored by Raman spectroscopy for selected examples, and are well reproduced by theory. The charge balance for the [M(S2O7)3]2− ions is achieved by monovalent A+ counter ions (A=NH4, Ag), which are implemented in the syntheses in the form of their sulfates. The sizes of the A+ ions, that is, their coordination requirements, cause the crystallographic differences in the crystal structures, although the complex [M(S2O7)3]2− ions remain essentially unaffected with the different A+ ions. Furthermore, the nature of the A+ ions influences the thermal behavior of the compounds, which has been monitored for selected examples by thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (DTA/TG) and XRD measurements.

New Compounds Bearing [M(S2O7)3]2– Anions (M = Si, Ge, Sn): Syntheses and Characterization of A2[Si(S2O7)3] (A = Na, K, Rb), A2[Ge(S2O7)3] (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), A2[Sn(S2O7)3] (A = Na, K), and the Unique Germanate Hg2[Ge(S2O7)3]Cl2 with Cationic 1∞[

The reaction of the group 14 tetrachlorides MCl4 (M = Si, Ge, Sn) with oleum (65 % SO3) at elevated temperatures led to the unique anionic complexes [M(S2O7)3]2– that show the central M atoms in coordination of three chelating S2O72– groups. The mean distances M–O within the complexes increase from 175 pm (M = Si) via 186 pm (M = Ge) up to 200 pm (M = Sn). The charge balance for the [M(S2O7)3]2– anions is achieved by alkaline metal ions A+ (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) which were implemented in the syntheses in form of their sulfates. The size of the A+ ions, i.e. their coordination requirement causes the crystallographic differences in the crystal structures, while the structure of the complex [M(S2O7)3]2– anions remains essentially unaffected. Furthermore, we were able to characterize the unique germanate Hg2[Ge(S2O7)3]Cl2 which forms when HgCl2 is added as a source for the counter cation. The Hg2+ and the Cl– ions form infinite cationic chains according to 1∞[HgCl2/2]+ which take care for the charge compensation. For selected examples of the compounds the thermal behavior has been monitored by means of thermal analyses and X-ray powder diffraction. For A being an alkaline metal the decomposition product is a mixture of the sulfates A2SO4 and the dioxides MO2, whereas Hg2[Ge(S2O7)3]Cl2 shows a more complicated decomposition. The tris-(disulfato)-silicate Na2[Si(S2O7)3] has additionally been examined by solid state 29Si and 23Na NMR spectroscopic measurements.

Miscibility, UV resistance, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties of PMMA/SAN blends and their composites with MWCNTs

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PMMA/SAN) blends, with varying concentrations, were prepared by melt-mixing technique. The miscibility is ensured by fixing the acrylonitrile (AN) content of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) as 25% by weight. The blends were transparent as well. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) studies did not reveal any specific interactions, supporting the well accepted 'copolymer repulsion effect' as the driving mechanism for miscibility. Addition of SAN increased the stability of PMMA towards ultraviolet (UV) radiations and thermal degradation. Incorporation of even 0.05% by weight of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) significantly improved the UV absorbance and thermal stability. Moreover, the composites exhibited good strength and modulus. However, at higher concentrations of MWCNTs (0.5 and 1% by weight) the thermo-mechanical properties experienced deterioration, mainly due to the agglomeration of MWCNTs. It was observed that composites with 0.05% by weight of finely dispersed and well distributed MWCNTs provided excellent protection in most extreme climatic conditions. Thus, PMMA/SAN/MWCNTs composites can act as excellent light screens and may be useful, as cost-effective UV absorbers, in the outdoor applications.

Physicochemical characterization of a new family of small alkyl phosphonium imide ionic liquids

Despite their promising properties, phosphonium based ionic liquids have attracted little attention as compared to their nitrogen-based cation counterparts. This study focuses on the properties of a family of small phosphonium imide ionic liquids, as well as the effect of lithium salt addition to these. The 6 ionic liquids were either alkyl, cyclic or nitrile functionalised phoshonium cations with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, NTf2, or bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI) as anion. Amongst the properties investigated were ionic conductivity, viscosity, thermal behaviour, electrochemical stability and the reversibility of electrochemical lithium cycling. All ionic liquids showed very promising properties e.g. having low transition temperatures, high electrochemical stabilities, low viscosities and high conductivities. Particularly the trimethyl phosphonium ionic liquids showed some of the highest conductivities reported amongst phosphonium ionic liquids generally. The combination of electrochemical stability, high conductivity and reversible lithium cycling makes them promising systems for energy storage devices such as lithium batteries.

Preparation and characterization of chia seed protein isolate-chia seed gum complex coacervates

Chia seed protein isolate (CPI) and chia seed gum (CSG) were extracted and complex coacervation between these two was studied. The pH and the CPI-to-CSG ratio were optimized to obtain the highest yield of complex coacervates underpinned by zeta potential and turbidity values. CPI-CSG complex coacervates were found to form primarily due to electrostatic interaction and remained stable within a pH range of 2.1-2.9 at ambient temperature. The optimum pH and CPI-to-CSG ratio for complex coacervation was found to be 2.7 and 6:1, respectively. Spray dried complex coacervate particles possessed smoother surface morphology compared to the freeze dried ones. CPI-CSG complex coacervates demonstrated better thermal stability as compared to that of individual CPI and CSG. The crosslinking of these complex coacervates by transglutaminase further improved their thermal stability. Therefore, the crosslinked CPI-CSG complex coacervates will be able to better protect the oxygen and heat sensitive food and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Preparation, characterization and functional properties of flax seed protein isolate

Flaxseed protein isolate (FPI) was extracted from flaxseeds, and its amino acid composition and functional properties (solubility, thermal stability, emulsifying properties and electrostatic charge density, water holding and fat absorption capacities) were determined. The highest purity of FPI (90.6%) was achieved by extraction at 60°C. FPI had a low lysine to arginine ratio of 0.25, which is desired in heart-healthy foods and infant formulas. The denaturation temperature of FPI was 105°C. FPI had the highest emulsion activity index (375.51 m(2)/g), highest emulsion stability index (179.5 h) and zeta potential (-67.4 mV) when compared to those of other commonly used proteins, such as sodium caseinate (SC), whey protein isolate (WPI), gelatin (Gel) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The average emulsion droplet size of emulsions stabilized by these proteins was in the order SC