Development of a new stir bar sorptive extraction coating and its application for the determination of six pesticides in sugarcane juice

In this article, a novel polydimethylsiloxane/activated carbon (PDMS-ACB) material is proposed as a new polymeric phase for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). The PDMS-ACB stir bar, assembled using a simple Teflon (R)/glass capillary mold, demonstrated remarkable stability and resistance to organic solvents for more than 150 extractions. The SBSE bar has a diameter of 2.36 mm and a length of 2.2 cm and is prepared to contain 92 mu L of polymer coating. This new PDMS-ACB bar was evaluated for its ability to determine the quantity of pesticides in sugarcane juice samples by performing liquid desorption (LD) in 200 mu L of ethyl acetate and analyzing the solvent through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A fractional factorial design was used to evaluate the main parameters involved in the extraction procedure. Then, a central composite design with a star configuration was used to optimize the significant extraction parameters. The method used demonstrated a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.5-40 mu g/L, depending on the analyte detected; the amount of recovery varied from 0.18 to 49.50%, and the intraday precision ranged from 0.072 to 8.40%. The method was used in the analysis of real sugarcane juice samples commercially available in local markets.

Characterization of Polyurethane Resins by FTIR, TGA, and XRD

Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and X-ray Diffractometry have been used to investigate the rigid, semi rigid, and soft polyurethane (PU) forms, which were developed by the Group of Analytic Chemistry and Technology of Polymers - USF - Sao Carlos. The -NCO/-OH ratios were 0.6, 0.5, and 0.3% for rigid, semi rigid, and soft PUs, respectively, showing that different ratios cause differences in thermal behaviors and crystalline structures of the synthesized PU resins. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 263-268, 2010

Desenvolvimento de elastômeros termoplásticos a partir de SBR epoxidada e polipropileno

Os elastômeros termoplásticos vulcanizados (TPVs) na sua maioria constituídos por borrachas apolares (EPDM, NR) e poliolefinas (PP, PE), apresentam a vantagem de serem processáveis como termoplásticos e serem facilmente reciclados. No entanto, apresentam desvantagens no que se refere à sua baixa resistência a óleos, combustíveis e graxas em relação à borracha termofixa. Este trabalho, teve como objetivo estudar a obtenção de TPVs com propriedades mecânicas adequadas e resistência a óleos e solventes orgânicos, a partir da borracha comercial SBR 1502 parcialmente epoxidada. Esta, por ter a estrutura química de sua cadeia principal modificada pela introdução de grupos epóxidos, deve apresentar melhor resistência a óleos e solventes. Os TPVs foram obtidos em misturador fechado acoplado a um reômetro Haake, na temperatura de 1800C e velocidade de rotor de 75 rpm, vulcanizados dinamicamente com o sistema Bismaleimida/peróxido de dicumila. Foram caracterizados quanto às suas propriedades mecânicas por medidas tensão-deformação, medidas mecânicas dinâmicas, inchamento em ciclohexano, THF e óleo IRM 903, dureza. A morfologia foi determinada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, MEV. Foram analisados os fatores que influenciam as propriedades dos TPVs, tais como composição (relação PP/SBR), teor de BMI, grau de epoxidação da borracha, uso de agente compatibilizante. O TPV na composição PP/SBR 40/60, esta epoxidada em 40 mol % e contendo o agente compatibilizante Vestenamer adicionado na forma de blenda (borracha/agente compatibilizante) apresentou a melhor resposta em termos de tensão-deformação na ruptura. Os TPVs com a SBR epoxidada em 70% apresentaram melhor resistência a óleo e solventes. Os fatores, potencialmente, capazes de influenciar a dureza dos TPVs também foram avaliados. Neste particular, verificou-se que o tipo de poliolefina, bem como o uso de plastificante são os fatores que mais influenciam a dureza dos TPVs.

Desenvolvimento de filtros cerâmicos impregnados com nanopartículas de prata para desinfecção de água potável

Brazil has vast amounts of hydric resources, whose quality has been deteriorating due to pollutant dumping. Household waste disposal is one of the main sources of water pollution, stimulating bacteria proliferation and introducing microorganisms, including those from fecal matter. Conventional water disinfection methods are a solution, but on the downside, they lead to the formation byproducts hazardous to human health. In this study, aiming to develop bactericidal filters for the disinfection of drinking water; silver nanoparticles were deposited on alumina foams through three routes: sputtering DC, dip coating and in situ chemical reduction of silver nitrate. The depositions were characterized through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and EDS element mapping. The influence of the depositions on permeability and mechanical properties of the ceramic foams was assessed and, in sequence, a preliminary antibacterial efficiency analysis was carried out. Characterization results indicate that the chemical reduction routes were efficient in depositing homogeneously distributed silver particles and that the concentration of the metallic precursor salt affects size and morphology of the particles. The antibacterial efficiency analysis indicates that the chemical reduction filters have potential for water disinfection

Multivariate analysis of fresh-cut carambola slices stored under different temperatures

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Utilização intracoágulo de espuma fibrinolítica - preparação, caracterização e atividade in vitro de uma espuma de estreptoquinase e proposta de uma nova abordagem terapêutica

Foam was developed as a novel vehicle for streptokinase with the purpose of increasing the contact time and area between the fibrinolytic and the target thrombus, which would lead to a greater therapeutic efficacy at lower doses, decreasing the drug s potential to cause bleeding. Fibrinolytic foams were prepared using CO2 and human albumin (at different v:v ratios), as the gas and liquid phases, respectively, and streptokinase at a low total dose (100,000 IU) was used as fibrinolytic agent conveyed in 1 mL of foam and in isotonic saline solution. The foams were characterized as foam stability and apparent viscosity. The thrombolytic effect of the streptokinase foam was determined in vitro as thrombus lysis and the results were compared to those of a fibrinolytic solution (prepared using the same dose of streptokinase) and foam without the fibrinolytic. In vitro tests were conducted using fresh clots were weighed and placed in test tubes kept at 37 ° C. All the samples were injected intrathrombus using a multiperforated catheter. The results showed that both foam stability and apparent viscosity increased with the increase in the CO2:albumin solution ratio and therefore, the ratio of 3:1 was used for the incorporation of streptokinase. The results of thrombus lysis showed that the streptokinase foam presented the highest thrombolytic activity (44.78 ± 9.97%) when compared to those of the streptokinase solution (32.07 ± 3.41%) and the foam without the drug (19.2 ± 7.19%). We conclude that fibrinolytic foam showed statistically significant results regarding the enhancement of the lytic activity of streptokinase compared to the effect of the prepared saline solution, thus it can be a promising alternative in the treatment of thrombosis. However, in vivo studies are needed in order to corroborate the results obtained in vitro

Use of modified atmosphere to extend shelf life of fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Fwang Tung)

Fresh-cut fruit products, including carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), have limited marketability due to cut surface browning attributed to phenolic compound oxidation by enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes in carambola slices in three different packages. Carambola fruit (cv. Fwang Tung) were picked from the Estacao Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro orchard at the mature-green stage. The fruit were washed, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg L-1 for 5 min), stored overnight at 10 degrees C, then manually sliced into pieces of approximately 1 cm. The slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg L-1, drained for 3 min, and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays (Neoform (R) N94); polystyrene trays covered with PVC 0.017 turn (Vitafilm (R), Goodyear); and vacuum seated polyolefin bags (PLO, Cryovac (R) PD900). The packages were stored at 6.8 degrees C and 90% RH for 12 d, with samples taken every 4 d. PET trays and PVC film did not significantly modify the internal atmosphere and the high water permeability of PVC led to more rapid slice desiccation. PPO activity was lower when the slices were packaged in PLO vacuum sealed bags, which reduced degreening and led to better appearance maintenance for up to 12 d. (R) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uso de embalagens plásticas e cobertura de quitosana na conservação pós-colheita de lichias

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Análise do comportamento mecânico de espumas cerâmicas a base de alumina obtidas pelo método da réplica

Ceramics with porous cellular structure, called ceramic foams, have a potential use in several applications, such as: thermal insulation, catalyst supports, filters, and others. Among these techniques to obtain porous ceramics the replication method is an important process. This method consists of impregnation of a sponge (usually polymer) with ceramic slurry, followed by a heat treatment, which will happen the decomposition of organic material and sintering the ceramic material, resulting in a ceramic structure which is a replica of impregnated sponge. Knowledge of the mechanical properties of these ceramics is important for these materials can be used commercially. Gibson and Ashby developed a mathematical model to describe the mechanical behavior of cellular solids. This model wasn´t for describing the ceramics behavior produced by the replica method, because it doesn´t consider the defects from this type of processing. In this study were researched mechanical behavior of porous alumina ceramics obtained by the replica method and proposed modifications to the model of Gibson and Ashby to accommodate this material. The polymer sponge used in processing was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The materials obtained after sintering were characterized by mechanical strength tests on 4-point bending and compression, density and porosity and by scanning electron microscopy. From these results it was evaluated the mechanical strength behavior compared to Gibson and Ashby model for solid cellular structure and was proposed a correction of this model through a factor related to struts integrity degree, which consider fissures present in the structure of these materials besides defects geometry within the struts

Desempenho de pontas de pulverização em Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG-4 para controle de ninfas de cigarrinhas das pastagens

O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o desempenho de pontas de pulverização na deposição da calda inseticida para o controle de ninfas de cigarrinhas das pastagens em Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG-4. Doze tratamentos foram estudados em esquema fatorial 6x2, constituídos pelo contraste de seis pontas de pulverização e pressões de 196 e 392 kPa: TF-VP2 (336 L ha-1 e 467 L ha-1); AI11002-VS (184 L ha-1 e 200 L ha-1); XR11002-VS (200 L ha-1 e 280 L ha-1); TT11002-VP (200 L ha-1 e 280 L ha-1); TJ60-11002VS (208 L ha-1 e 280 L ha-1) e TX-VK4 (72 L ha-1 e 97 L ha-1). Para monitorar a deposição das caldas de pulverização, utilizaram-se os traçadores Azul Brilhante FD&C-1 (0,3% p/v) e Amarelo de Tartrasina FD&C-5 (0,6% p/v). Alvos artificiais, constituídos de lâminas de vidro, foram posicionados na base das plantas, próximos à superfície do solo, e os depósitos por unidade de área das soluções pulverizadas foram quantificados por espectrofotometria. As pontas TF-VP2, XR11002-VS e AI11002-VS, nas pressões de 196 e 392 kPa, proporcionam as maiores deposições da calda de pulverização na região das espumas das cigarrinhas das pastagens, apesar de apresentarem menor uniformidade na distribuição dos depósitos em relação a TX-VK4, XR110.02-VS e TJ110.02-VS. O aumento da pressão de 196 para 392 kPa promoveu aumento na deposição da calda de pulverização sobre a Brachiaria brizantha e na região onde se encontram as espumas das cigarrinhas para todos os tipos de pontas estudadas.

Obtenção e caracterização de um compósito de poliuretano de mamona e pó de vidro para aplicações em insolantes térmicos

Thermal insulation is used to protect the heated or cooled surfaces by the low thermal conductivity materials. The rigid ricin polyurethane foams (PURM) are used for thermal insulation and depend on the type and concentration of blowing agent. Obtaining PURM occurs by the use of polyol, silicone, catalyst and blowing agent are pre -mixed, reacting with the isocyanate. The glass is reusable, returnable and recyclable heat insulating material, whose time of heat dissipation determines the degree of relaxation of its structure; and viscosity determines the conditions for fusion, operating temperatures, annealing, etc. The production of PURM composites with waste glass powder (PV) represents economical and renewable actions of manufacturing of thermal insulating materials. Based on these aspects, the study aimed to produce and characterize the PURM composites with PV, whose the mass percentages were 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%. PURM was obtained commercially, while the PV was recycled from the tailings of the stoning process of a glassmaking; when the refining process was applied to obtain micrometer particles. The PURM + PV composites were studied taking into account the standard sample of pure PURM and the influence of the percentage of PV in this PURM matrix. The results of the chemical, physical and morphological characterization were discussed taking into account the difference in the microstructural morphology of the PURM+PV composites and the pure PURM, as well the results of the physicochemical, mechanical e thermophysical tests by values obtained of density, hardness, compressive strength, specific heat, thermal conductivity and diffusivity. In general, the structure of pure PURM showed large, elongated and regular pores, while PURM+PV composites showed irregular, small and rounded pores with shapeless cells. This may have contributed to reducing their mechanical strength, especially for PURM - PV50. The hardness and density were found to have a proportional relationship with the PV content on PURM matrix. The specific heat, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity showed proportional relationship to each other. So, this has been realized that the increasing the PV content on PURM matrix resulted in the rise of diffusivity and thermal conductivity and the decrease of the specific heat. However, the values obtained by the PURM composites were similar the values of pure PURM, mainly the PURM-PV5 and PURM-PV10. Therefore, these composites can be applied like thermal insulator; furthermore, their use could reduce the production costs and to preserve the environment

Desidratação de polpas de frutas pelo método foam-mat

This study aimed to investigate the foam mat drying process of pineapple and mango pulp, as well as to evaluate the final product quality. Initially, the selection of fruit and additives was conducted based on density and stability determinations of mango, seriguela, umbu and pineapple foams. After selecting pineapple and mango for further studies, the fruit pulps and fruit foams were characterized in regard to their physicochemical composition. The temperature (60oC or 70oC) and the foam thickness (4 and 11 mm) were evaluated in accordance to the obtained drying curves and after model adjustment. Mango and pineapple powders obtained at the best process conditions were characterized in regard to their physicochemical composition, solubility, reconstitution time. Yoghurts were prepared with the addition of pineapple and mango powders and they were evaluated for their sensory acceptance. Results show that the best drying rates were achieved by using 70o C and layers 4mm thick for both fruits. The Page model successfully fitted the drying experimental data and it can be used as a predictive model. Pineapple and mango powders showed acid pH, high soluble solids content, low water activity (approx. 0.25), lipids between 1.46% and 2.03%, protein around 2.00%, and ascorbic acid content of 17,73 mg/100g and 14.32 mg/100g, for mango and pineapple, respectively. It was observed higher ascorbic acid retention for pineapple and mango powders processed at 70o C, which would be explained by the lower drying time applied. The fruit powders exhibited high solubility and fast reconstitution in water. The sensory acceptance indexes for yoghurts with the addition of both fruit powders were higher than 70%, which reflect the satisfactory product acceptance

Structure and Physical Properties of EVA/Starch Precursor Materials for Foaming Applications

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of geomembrane UV degradation using melt flow index and oxidative induction time tests

Many factors such as the sunlight, intensity of radiation, temperature, and moisture may influence the degradation process of geosynthetics. UV stabilizers are used especially in polyolefin geomembrane to prevent the degradation process. In these geomembranes the service lifetime is initially governed by the consumption of antioxidants. Tests like MFI and OIT are a alternative to detect the oxidative degradation in polyolefins. This article evaluates HDPE geomembrane degradation after UV exposure through the results of MFI and OIT tests. Two kinds of geomembranes were evaluated: a black and smooth (0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 mm) and a white and textured (1.0 mm). MFI test showed some levels of superficial degradation (crosslink) in HDPE geomembrane.

Biodegradation of polyurethane derived from castor oil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)