Template-free and eco-friendly synthesis of hierarchical Ag3PO4 microcrystals with sharp corners and edges for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Herein, we demonstrate a template-free and eco-friendly strategy to synthesize hierarchical Ag3PO4 microcrystals with sharp corners and edges via silver–ammine complex at room temperature. The as-synthesized hierarchical Ag3PO4 microcrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), BET surface area analyzer, and photoluminescence analysis (PL). Our results clearly indicated that the as-synthesized Ag3PO4 microcrystals possess a hierarchical structure with sharp corners and edges. More attractively, the adsorption ability and visible light photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized hierarchical Ag3PO4 is much higher than that of conventional Ag3PO4.

Obtenção e caracterização de um eco-compósito à base de látex e bainha da palha do coqueiro para isolamento térmico e acústico

With the emergence of new technologies, has grown the need to use new materials, and this has intensified research on the collection and use of materials from renewable sources, is to reduce production costs and / or environmental impact. In this context, it was found that the sheath coconut straw, can be utilized as raw material for the production of a eco-composite that can be used as a thermal and acoustic insulator. After selected from the coconut sheaths were subjected to treatment with aqueous 2 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The composite study was produced with the sheath and coconut natural latex, with coconut sheath percentage in the proportions 15%, 25% and 35% of the total compound volume. Physical, thermal and acoustic properties of the composites were analyzed in order to obtain data on the use of viability as thermoacoustic insulation. The CP15 composites, CP25 and CP35 showed thermal conductivity 0.188 W/m.K, 0.155 W/m.K and 0.150 W/m.K, respectively. It can be applied as thermal insulation in hot systems to 200 ° C. The CP35 composite was more efficient as a thermal and acoustic insulation, providing 20% noise reduction, 31% and 34% for frequencies of 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz, respectively. The analyzes were based on ABNT, ASTM, UL. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the eco-composite produced the hem of coconut can be used as thermal and acoustic insulation. Thus, it gives a more noble end to this material, which most often is burned or disposed of improperly in the environment.

Obtenção e caracterização de um eco-compósito à base de látex e bainha da palha do coqueiro para isolamento térmico e acústico

With the emergence of new technologies, has grown the need to use new materials, and this has intensified research on the collection and use of materials from renewable sources, is to reduce production costs and / or environmental impact. In this context, it was found that the sheath coconut straw, can be utilized as raw material for the production of a eco-composite that can be used as a thermal and acoustic insulator. After selected from the coconut sheaths were subjected to treatment with aqueous 2 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The composite study was produced with the sheath and coconut natural latex, with coconut sheath percentage in the proportions 15%, 25% and 35% of the total compound volume. Physical, thermal and acoustic properties of the composites were analyzed in order to obtain data on the use of viability as thermoacoustic insulation. The CP15 composites, CP25 and CP35 showed thermal conductivity 0.188 W/m.K, 0.155 W/m.K and 0.150 W/m.K, respectively. It can be applied as thermal insulation in hot systems to 200 ° C. The CP35 composite was more efficient as a thermal and acoustic insulation, providing 20% noise reduction, 31% and 34% for frequencies of 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz, respectively. The analyzes were based on ABNT, ASTM, UL. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the eco-composite produced the hem of coconut can be used as thermal and acoustic insulation. Thus, it gives a more noble end to this material, which most often is burned or disposed of improperly in the environment.

Eco-innovation – does additional engagement lead to additional rewards?

Purpose: Eco-innovation is any form of product, process or organisational innovation that contributes towards sustainable development. Firms can eco-innovate in a variety of ways. The purpose of this paper is to identify nine different eco-innovation activities – including such items as reducing material use per unit of output, reducing energy use per unit of output, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) “footprint” – and the authors ask whether these act as substitutes or complements to one another. Design/methodology/approach: Eco-innovation is any form of product, process or organisational innovation that contributes towards sustainable development. Firms can eco-innovate in a variety of ways. In this paper the authors identify nine different eco-innovation activities – including such items as reducing material use per unit of output, reducing energy use per unit of output, reducing CO2 “footprint” – and the authors ask whether these act as substitutes or complements to one another. Findings: Introducing only one eco-innovation activity has little payoff (in terms of turnover per worker) with only those firms who reduce their CO2 “footprint” having higher levels of turnover per worker. When introducing more than one eco-innovation activity the authors find that certain eco-innovation activities complement one another (e.g. reducing material use within the firm at the same time as improving the ability to recycle the product after use) others act as substitutes (e.g. reducing material use within the firm at the same time as recycling waste, water or materials within the firm). Practical implications: The results suggest that firms can maximise their productive capacity by considering specific combinations of eco-innovation. This suggests that firms should plan to introduce eco-innovation which act as complements, thereby, boosting productivity. It also suggests that eco-innovation stimuli, introduced by policy makers, should be targeted at complementary eco-innovations. Originality/value: The paper analyses whether eco-innovations act as complements or substitutes. While a number of studies have analysed the importance of eco-innovation for firm performance, few have assessed the extent to which diverse types of eco-innovation interact with each other to complement or substitute for one another.

D6.6 – Summary, Analysis, Road-mapping and Production of Training materials

This deliverable summarizes, validates and explains the purpose and concept behind the RAGE knowledge and innovation management platform as a self-sustainable Ecosystem, supporting innovation processes in the Applied Gaming (AG) industry. The Ecosystem portal will be developed with particular consideration of the demand and requirements of small and medium sized game developing companies, education providers and related stakeholders like AG researchers and AG end-users. The innovation potential of the new platform underlies the following factors: a huge, mostly entire collection of community specific knowledge (e.g., content like media objects, software components and best practices), a structured approach of knowledge access, search and browse, collaboration tools as well as social network analysis tools to foster efficient knowledge creation and transformation processes into marketable technology assets. The deliverable provides an overview of the current status and the remaining work to come, preceding the final version in month 48 of the RAGE project.

Development of sustainable, innovative and energy-efficient concrete, based on the integration of all-waste materials: SUS-CON panels for building applications

The building sector requires the worldwide production of 4 billion tonnes of cement annually, consuming more than 40% of global energy and accounting for about 8% of the total CO2 emissions. The SUS-CON project aimed at integrating waste materials in the production cycle of concrete, for both ready-mixed and pre-cast applications, resulting in an innovative light-weight, ecocompatible and cost-effective construction material, made by all-waste materials and characterized by enhanced thermal insulation performance and low embodied energy and CO2. Alkali activated “cementless” binders, which have recently emerged as eco-friendly construction materials, were used in conjunction with lightweight recycled aggregates to produce sustainable concrete for a range of applications. This paper presents some results from the development of a concrete made with a geopolymeric binder (alkali activated fly ash) and aggregate from recycled mixed plastic. Mix optimisation was achieved through an extensive investigation on production parameters for binder and aggregate. The mix recipe was developed for achieving the required fresh and hardened properties. The optimised mix gave compressive strength of about 7 MPa, flexural strength of about 1.3 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.34 W/mK. Fresh and hardened properties were deemed suitable for the industrial production of precast products. Precast panels were designed and produced for the construction of demonstration buildings. Mock-ups of about 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 m were built at a demo park in Spain both with SUS-CON and Portland cement concrete, monitoring internal and external temperatures. Field results indicate that the SUS-CON mock-ups have better insulation. During the warmest period of the day, the measured temperature in the SUS-CON mock-ups was lower.

Evaluation of the environmental benefits of recycling materials in the moving parts of a wind turbine using the life cycle assessment (LCA)

Wind energy is evaluated positively, from the environmental point of view, considering the wind a renewable resource to produce electricity, avoiding the use of fossil resources during operation, but not much has been studied about the impacts associated with the materials of the wind turbines. This study aims to contribute to an improved understanding of the environmental implications of the materials in the moving parts of a wind turbine and how the Eco strategies as recycling are increasingly adopted to ensure the minimization of environmental impacts. First, we investigate the moving parts of a wind turbine highlighting possible hot spots of impacts. Second, we assess the benefit of introducing recycling materials instead of the originals. © Research India Publications.

Development and chemo-mechanical characterization of eco-compatible extenders containing REOB and recycled tyres’ rubber for the production of greener bituminous binders

The concepts of circular economy and sustainability are the basis of the present experimental research that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of traditional road construction materials. This study mainly focuses on the development and the chemo-mechanical characterization of bitumen extenders containing rubber (R) from end-of-life tyres (ELTs) and re-refined engine oil bottoms (REOBs) for the production of innovative and eco-friendly extended bitumens (i.e. bituminous binders containing 25%wt. of recycled products) and asphalt mixtures. In order to create more sustainable asphalt mixes, also recycled aggregates are used for partial replacement of virgin natural aggregates in the aggregate skeleton. The experimental program encompassed five successive steps: (i) the evaluation of physicochemical properties of R and REOB, (ii) the definition of the optimal extenders by the development of a new protocol and their characterizations, (iii) the realization and investigation of the chemo-rheological responses of the extended bitumens at different boundary conditions, (iv) the assessment of the effectiveness of analytical method to predict the rheological parameters of extended bitumens and, finally, (v) the analysis of the mechanical performances of the corresponding asphalt mixtures. A standard 50/70 penetration grade bitumen was chosen as a reference material and the main constituent of the innovative bituminous products. The results of this study underlined the importance of material characterization. The incorporation of R-REOB extenders strongly affects the chemo-rheological responses of the resulting extended bitumens and asphalt mixtures overall the boundary conditions. While the presence of R and the consequent formation of a polymer network improves the elasticity of the final products, especially at high test temperatures; the addition of REOB, softens the bituminous binders and asphalt mixes increasing their response at low test temperatures. Nonetheless, the use of recycled products increased the susceptibility of bituminous material under damaging conditions, which would need further investigations.

Towards eco-friendly batteries: concepts for lithium and sodium ion batteries

Several possibilities are arising aiming the development of “greener”, more sustainable energy storage systems. One point is the completely water-based processing of battery electrodes, thus being able to renounce the use of toxic solvents in the preparation process. Despite its advantage of lower cost and eco-friendlyness, there is the need of similar mechanical and electrochemichal behavior for boosting this preparation mode. Another point – accompanying the water-based processing - is the replacement of solvent-based polymer binders by water-based ones. These binders can be based on fluorinated, crude-oil based polymers on the one side, but also on naturally abundant and economic friendly biopolymers. The most common anode materials, graphite and lithium titanate (LTO), have been subjected a water-based preparation route with different binder systems. LTO is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), as it shows excellent safety characteristics, does not form a significant SEI and its volume change upon intercalation of lithium ions is negligible. Unfortunately, this material suffers from a rather low electric conductivity - that is why an intensive study on improved current collector surfaces for LTO electrodes was performed. In order to go one step ahead towards sustainable energy storage, anode and cathode active materials for a sodium ion battery were synthesized. Anode active material resulted in a successful product which was then subjected to further electrochemical tests. In this PhD work the development of “greener” energy storage possibilities is tested under several aspects. The ecological impact of raw materials and required battery components is examined in detail.

Production and characterization of novel thermoplastic (nano)composite materials for additive manufacturing applications

The increasing environmental global regulations have directed scientific research towards more sustainable materials, even in the field of composite materials for additive manufacturing. In this context, the presented research is devoted to the development of thermoplastic composites for FDM application with a low environmental impact, focusing on the possibility to use wastes from different industrial processes as filler for the production of composite filaments for FDM 3D printing. In particular carbon fibers recycled by pyro-gasification process of CFRP scraps were used as reinforcing agent for PLA, a biobased polymeric matrix. Since the high value of CFs, the ability to re-use recycled CFs, replacing virgin ones, seems to be a promising option in terms of sustainability and circular economy. Moreover, wastes from different agricultural industries, i.e. wheat and rice production processes, were valorised and used as biofillers for the production of PLA-biocomposites. The integration of these agricultural wastes into PLA bioplastic allowed to obtain biocomposites with improved eco-sustainability, biodegradability, lightweight, and lower cost. Finally, the study of novel composites for FDM was extended towards elastomeric nanocomposite materials, in particular TPU reinforced with graphene. The research procedure of all projects involves the optimization of production methods of composite filaments with a particular attention on the possible degradation of polymeric matrices. Then, main thermal properties of 3D printed object are evaluated by TGA, DSC characterization. Additionally, specific heat capacity (CP) and Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) measurements are useful to estimate the attitude of composites for the prevention of typical FDM issues, i.e. shrinkage and warping. Finally, the mechanical properties of 3D printed composites and their anisotropy are investigated by tensile test using distinct kinds of specimens with different printing angles with respect to the testing direction.

Linear dimensional changes in plaster die models using different elastomeric materials

Dental impression is an important step in the preparation of prostheses since it provides the reproduction of anatomic and surface details of teeth and adjacent structures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the linear dimensional alterations in gypsum dies obtained with different elastomeric materials, using a resin coping impression technique with individual shells. A master cast made of stainless steel with fixed prosthesis characteristics with two prepared abutment teeth was used to obtain the impressions. References points (A, B, C, D, E and F) were recorded on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of abutments to register the distances. The impressions were obtained using the following materials: polyether, mercaptan-polysulfide, addition silicone, and condensation silicone. The transfer impressions were made with custom trays and an irreversible hydrocolloid material and were poured with type IV gypsum. The distances between identified points in gypsum dies were measured using an optical microscope and the results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA (p < 0.05) and Tukey's test. The mean of the distances were registered as follows: addition silicone (AB = 13.6 µm, CD=15.0 µm, EF = 14.6 µm, GH=15.2 µm), mercaptan-polysulfide (AB = 36.0 µm, CD = 36.0 µm, EF = 39.6 µm, GH = 40.6 µm), polyether (AB = 35.2 µm, CD = 35.6 µm, EF = 39.4 µm, GH = 41.4 µm) and condensation silicone (AB = 69.2 µm, CD = 71.0 µm, EF = 80.6 µm, GH = 81.2 µm). All of the measurements found in gypsum dies were compared to those of a master cast. The results demonstrated that the addition silicone provides the best stability of the compounds tested, followed by polyether, polysulfide and condensation silicone. No statistical differences were obtained between polyether and mercaptan-polysulfide materials.

Subcutaneous connective tissue response to primary root canal filling materials

This study evaluated the response of the subcutaneous connective tissue of BALB/c mice to root filling materials indicated for primary teeth: zinc oxide/eugenol cement (ZOE), Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (Calen/ZO) and Sealapex sealer. The mice (n=102) received polyethylene tube implants with the materials, thereby forming 11 groups, as follows: I, II, III: Calen/ZO for 7, 21 and 63 days, respectively; IV, V, VI: Sealapex for 7, 21 and 63 days, respectively; VII, VIII, IX: ZOE for 7, 21 and 63 days, respectively; X and XI: empty tube for 7 and 21 days, respectively. The biopsied tissues were submitted to histological analysis (descriptive analysis and semi-quantitative analysis using a scoring system for collagen fiber formation, tissue thickness and inflammatory infiltrate). A quantitative analysis was performed by measuring the area and thickness of the granulomatous reactionary tissue (GRT). Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests (?=0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the materials with respect to collagen fiber formation or GRT thickness. However, Calen/ZO produced the least severe inflammatory infiltrate (p<0.05). The area of the GRT was significantly smaller (p<0.05) for Calen/ZO and Sealapex. In conclusion, Calen/ZO presented the best tissue reaction, followed by Sealapex and ZOE.

Histopathological evaluation of root canal filling materials for primary teeth

This study aimed to assess the response of apical and periapical tissues of dogs' teeth after root canal filling with different materials. Forty roots from dogs' premolars were prepared biomechanically and assigned to 4 groups filled with: Group I: commercial calcium hydroxide and polyethylene glycol-based paste (Calen®) thickened with zinc oxide; Group II: paste composed of iodoform, Rifocort® and camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Group III: zinc oxide-eugenol cement; Group IV: sterile saline. After 30 days, the samples were subjected to histological processing. The histopathological findings revealed that in Groups I and IV the apical and periapical regions exhibited normal appearance, with large number of fibers and cells and no resorption of mineralized tissues. In Group II, mild inflammatory infiltrate and mild edema were observed, with discrete fibrogenesis and bone resorption. Group III showed altered periapical region and thickened periodontal ligament with presence of inflammatory cells and edema. It may be concluded that the Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide yielded the best tissue response, being the most indicated material for root canal filling of primary teeth with pulp vitality.

Antibacterial activity of root canal filling materials for primary teeth: zinc oxide and eugenol cement, Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide, Sealapex and EndoREZ

This study evaluated in vitro the antibacterial activity of 4 root canal filling materials for primary teeth - zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE), Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (Calen/ZO), Sealapex sealer and EndoREZ sealer - against 5 bacterial strains commonly found in endodontic infections (Kocuria rhizophila, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) using the agar diffusion test (agar-well technique). Calen paste, 1% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and distilled water served as controls. Seven wells per dish were made at equidistant points and immediately filled with the test and control materials. After incubation of the plates at 37oC for 24 h, the diameter of the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced around the wells was measured (in mm) with a digital caliper under reflected light. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test (?=0.05). There were statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) among the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced by the different materials against all target microorganisms. K. rhizophila was inhibited more effectively (p<0.05) by ZOE, while Calen/ZO had its highest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (p<0.05). S. mutans was inhibited by Calen/ZO, Sealapex and ZOE in the same intensity (p>0.05). E. coli was inhibited more effectively (p<0.05) by ZOE, followed by Calen/ZO and Sealapex. Calen/ZO and ZOE were equally effective (p>0.05) against S. aureus, while Sealapex had the lowest antibacterial efficacy (p<0.05) against this microorganism. EndoREZ presented antibacterial activity only against K. rhizophila and S. aureus. The Calen paste and Calen/ZO produced larger zones of inhibition than 1% CHX when the marker microorganism was E faecalis. In conclusion, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the 4 root canal filling materials for primary teeth against bacterial strains commonly found in endodontic infections can be presented in a decreasing order of efficacy as follows: ZOE>Calen/ZO>Sealapex>EndoREZ.

Accuracy of stone casts obtained by different impression materials

Several impression materials are available in the Brazilian marketplace to be used in oral rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of different impression materials used for fixed partial dentures following the manufacturers' instructions. A master model representing a partially edentulous mandibular right hemi-arch segment whose teeth were prepared to receive full crowns was used. Custom trays were prepared with auto-polymerizing acrylic resin and impressions were performed with a dental surveyor, standardizing the path of insertion and removal of the tray. Alginate and elastomeric materials were used and stone casts were obtained after the impressions. For the silicones, impression techniques were also compared. To determine the impression materials' accuracy, digital photographs of the master model and of the stone casts were taken and the discrepancies between them were measured. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan's complementary test. Polyether and addition silicone following the single-phase technique were statistically different from alginate, condensation silicone and addition silicone following the double-mix technique (p < .05), presenting smaller discrepancies. However, condensation silicone was similar (p > .05) to alginate and addition silicone following the double-mix technique, but different from polysulfide. The results led to the conclusion that different impression materials and techniques influenced the stone casts' accuracy in a way that polyether, polysulfide and addition silicone following the single-phase technique were more accurate than the other materials.