Article
Polymer Science
Sung-Hun Lee, Su-Yeol Park, Kyung-Ho Chung, Keon-Soo Jang
Summary: Rubber compounding with two or more components, such as the addition of phlogopite mineral filler and the compatibilization of AEAPS and SA, has been shown to improve the properties of NR/EPDM blends. The NR/EPDM/phlogopite composite exhibited enhanced mechanical, curing, elastic, and morphological properties compared to NR/EPDM/silica, but showed slightly lower abrasion resistance than NR/EPDM/carbon black. This rubber composite has the potential to replace expensive fillers in various applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Dominik Bartosik, Boleslaw Szadkowski, Malgorzata Kusmierek, Przemyslaw Rybinski, Ulugbek Mirkhodzhaev, Anna Marzec
Summary: This study investigates the effects of silicon carbide and silicon carbide hybrid systems on the properties of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber composites. The results show that the hybrid filler systems have synergistic effects, enhancing tensile strength and reducing flammability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anita Sharma, Ruturaj J. Sawant, Abhishek Sharma, Jyeshtharaj B. Joshi, Rakesh Kumar Jain, Rajkumar Kasilingam
Summary: The present study focused on analyzing waste tires through pyrolysis to extract valuable products. By examining the properties of recovered carbon black (rCB) and oil, both were found to be commercially viable products, with rCB being suitable for rubber compounding. Incorporating rCB into rubber products showed an increase in tensile strength and tear strength properties.
Article
Polymer Science
P. Ganeshan, M. S. Ravi Theja, P. Ramshankar, K. Raja
Summary: Natural rubber/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (NR/EPDM) rubber blends with different concentrations of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared and their effects on cure characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. The introduction of HNTs significantly increased the tensile strength of the NR/EPDM composite, with a maximum improvement of 84% observed. Morphological analysis confirmed that a well-dispersed structure was achieved with the inclusion of up to 8 phr of HNTs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoni Sun, Rong Song, Jintao Liu, Shuangshuang Yan, Yuxuan Li, Xiaoyu Jin, Yunfeng Liang, Yudong Wu, Lu Mei, Rubing Pan, Weizhuo Yi, Jian Song, Jian Cheng, Hong Su
Summary: This study collected and analyzed indoor air samples from different workshops and an office of a rubber factory to investigate the characteristics of airborne microplastics (MPs) in the rubber industry. MPs contamination was found in all air samples, with small-sized and fragmented characteristics. The abundance and sources of MPs were primarily related to the manufacturing process and raw materials of the workshops. The post-processing workshop had the highest abundance of airborne MPs, and different polymer types were identified in each location.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Subrajeet Deshmukh, Tibor Macko, Jan-Hendrik Arndt, Frank Malz, Raffaele Bernardo, Sander Niessen, Gerard van Doremaele, Robert Brull
Summary: Liquid chromatography at critical conditions can uncover molecular information on macromolecular structures that cannot be obtained by other analytical techniques. This study identified critical conditions for statistical ethylene propylene copolymers by varying the composition of the binary mobile phase at a constant temperature and modulating the adsorption-desorption temperature at a constant mobile phase composition. A novel chromatographic approach using structure retention relationships and Hansen Solubility Parameters was employed to identify solvents. The study provided experimental evidence for the existence of critical conditions for polyolefin random copolymers, and the molecular information obtained can be utilized for engineering complex polymers for future applications.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chunjiang He, Yuan Ji, Chuanzhi Chen, Dingfeng Pei, Ming Gao, Jingcun Zhao, Wei Wang
Summary: Ceramic polymer materials have great potential in the field of fireproof materials. In this study, ceramic EPDM materials were prepared using pyrophyllite and zinc borate, and the microstructure changes during the sintering process were investigated. The results showed that sintering at 850°C and 1000°C significantly improved the flexural strength of the materials.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Chloe Simet, Karine Mougin, Marie Moreau, Manon Perche, Cyril Vaulot, Arnaud Ponche, Florence Bally-Le Gall
Summary: This study evaluates the mechanical, chemical, and morphological stability of ethylene-propylenediene monomer (EPDM) gaskets through an accelerated ageing study. The results show that degradation is observed under chemical constraints but not significant changes under mechanical constraints.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Amer Awwad, Dwayne McDaniel, Leonel Lagos, Jose Rivera, Berrin Tansel
Summary: The hose-in-hose transfer lines used to transfer waste at Hanford Site Tank Farm are made of EPDM synthetic rubber and exposed to various stressors. The aging behavior of EPDM specimens and HIHTL was evaluated by exposing them to different concentrations of NaOH solution. The specimens exposed to 6.25% NaOH solution showed the most significant deterioration, while those exposed to 25.00% NaOH solution had the least deterioration.
ENGINEERING FAILURE ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sung-Hun Lee, Gun-Woo Park, Hee-Jun Kim, Kyungho Chung, Keon-Soo Jang
Summary: The incorporation of surface-modified phlogopite into NR/EPDM considerably enhances various properties of the rubber blend. It improves compatibility between the rubber matrix and phlogopite, similar to the effects of carbon black. The surface-modified phlogopite/NR/EPDM rubber composite shows higher elasticity compared to silica- and carbon black-reinforced composites.
Article
Polymer Science
David Zoltan Pirityi, Kornel Poloskei
Summary: This study explores the use of devulcanisation to recycle rubber waste, finding that waste can be successfully transformed into renewable resources, reducing the dependence on new resources. Rubber samples containing different proportions of recycled rubber exhibit varying changes in elastic properties in tensile tests.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Amer Awwad, Dwayne McDaniel, Leonel Lagos, Jose Rivera, Berrin Tansel
Summary: The study revealed that the EPDM hoses experienced significant decreases in tensile strength and burst pressure under high temperatures and prolonged exposure, with surface degradation and increased penetration of NaOH into the material. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed surface degradation increased with higher exposure temperatures.
ENGINEERING FAILURE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ankush Kumar, Rajan Choudhary, Abhinay Kumar
Summary: This study analyzed the aging characteristics of composite-modified asphalt binders and evaluated the physical, rheological, chemical, and microstructural properties of binders prepared using different methods. The results showed that the composite-modified binder with pretreatment exhibited significantly improved aging resistance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shujuan Wang, Lu Wang, Hongzhe Su, Chenhui Li, Wei Fan, Xinli Jing
Summary: By adding boron-containing phenolic resin (BPR) to ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), the char yield and ablation performance of EPDM were significantly improved. The formation of boron oxide (B2O3) during pyrolysis played a crucial role in inhibiting the formation of carbon oxides and reducing carbon loss. Additionally, the addition of BPR also improved the graphitization degree of carbonization product.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Traian Zaharescu, Alina Dumitru, Tunde Borbath, Ioana Ionescu, Istvan Borbath, Tiberiu Francisc Boros
Summary: The thermal and radiation stabilities of EPDM formulations containing BaTiO3 doped with lanthanum and cerium oxides were investigated. The doped fillers contribute to extended durability and improved mechanical properties of the composite materials. The study confirms that BaTiO3 doped with Ce is a more efficient stabilizer compared to the same inorganic filler doped with La.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya, Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Yskandar Hamam, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: In this study, the interaction between borophene nanoplatelets (BNPs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical properties of Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film was investigated using a finite element method (FEM). The results showed that the elastic moduli of the nanocomposites improved by 9.6% and 10.2%, respectively. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing the mechanical stability of PEDOT:PSS electrodes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Azunna Agwo Eze, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Williams Kehinde Kupolati, Julius Musyoka Ndambuki, Jacques Snyman, Idowu David Ibrahim
Summary: The microstructures and properties of copper-niobium-graphite composites produced via spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique were investigated for their potential use as electrical connection materials at high-temperature application. The addition of nano and micron particles sizes of Nb powders in the composites was compared, and the composites sintered at 650 degrees C showed good thermal stabilities, low coefficient of friction, and suitable corrosion resistance, meeting the requirements for electrical contacting materials.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oladipo Folorunso, Moses Oluwafemi Onibonoje, Yskandar Hamam, Rotimi Sadiku, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication of a hybrid polymer nanocomposite consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypyrrole (PPy), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and investigates its electrical conductivity. The experimental results show that the nanocomposite exhibits continuous conduction at a filler content of around 0.4% (wt%). The study also proposes and validates several models for analyzing the electrical transport property of the nanocomposite, and confirms the dependence of the electrical conductivity on the weight fraction of fillers. The flexibility, simplicity, and versatility of these models suggest their potential use as characterization/simulation tools for predicting the electrical conductivity of polymer composites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Isiaka Aderibigbe, Patricia Popoola, Emmanuel Sadiku, Elliot Biro
Summary: This paper analysed the change in microstructure and the low-temperature deformation and strain hardening behavior of laser welded DP800 and DP1000. The results showed that the fusion zone was fully martensitic and the heat-affected zone had a significant impact on the joint efficiency. The welded joints exhibited slightly increased strength and work hardening exponents compared to the base metals. Fractures occurred in the base metal and heat-affected zone of the welded joints, showing characteristic dimple fractures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Olugbenga Ogunbiyi, Oluwashina Gbenebor, Smith Salifu, Samuel Olaleye, Tamba Jamiru, Rotimi Sadiku, Samson Adeosun
Summary: This study fabricated biodegradable polylactide (PLA) reinforced with treated coconut husk particulates (CCP) through electrospinning and RVE techniques, and compared the obtained mechanical properties. The electrospun CCP-PLA nanofibre composites showed improved mechanical properties, particularly at 4 wt.% reinforcement.
Review
Polymer Science
Idowu David Ibrahim, Yskandar Hamam, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Julius Musyoka Ndambuki, Williams Kehinde Kupolati, Tamba Jamiru, Azunna Agwo Eze, Jacques Snyman
Summary: Packaging materials are widely used in our daily lives and play a crucial role in preserving and prolonging the shelf life of products. However, there has been little discussion regarding the environmental impact of packaging materials after use and the need for sustainable packaging.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya, Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Yskandar Hamam, Suprakas Sinha Ray
Summary: Drug delivery systems are important for targeted drug delivery throughout the body. The use of density functional theory (DFT) in computational material science has greatly aided the design and development of these systems, allowing for more efficient and accurate predictions. This review discusses the application of DFT in explaining the features of polymer-based drug delivery systems, providing resources and future trends for researchers.
Article
Crystallography
Azunna Agwo Eze, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Williams Kehinde Kupolati, Jacques Snyman, Julius Musyoka Ndambuki, Idowu David Ibrahim
Summary: In this study, a near-equiatomic multi-principal element alloy with nano- and micron-sized Nb particles was synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The alloys with nano-sized Nb particles showed faster sintering, lower wear rate, and dendritic microstructure with nano-segregations. Cu-NbTiB2C alloy sintered at 650°C exhibited the highest microhardness, while CuNbTiB2C alloy with micron-sized Nb particles sintered at 700°C showed the best corrosion resistance in a sulfuric acid environment. These novel materials have great potential for aerospace applications.
Review
Polymer Science
Oluwaseye Samson Adedoja, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Yskandar Hamam
Summary: Energy storage is a challenge in the energy sector, but supercapacitors have revolutionized the industry with their high energy capacity, reliable supply, and extended lifetime. Scientists have conducted investigations to improve their development and explore potential applications. This review provides an up-to-date investigation of supercapacitor technologies, including components, operating techniques, potential applications, technical difficulties, benefits, and drawbacks.
Article
Polymer Science
Karabo Innocent Matumba, Mpho Phillip Motloung, Vincent Ojijo, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Joncryl concentration on the properties of PLA/PCL and PLA/PEG blends. The addition of Joncryl influenced the properties of both blends, with reduced droplet size and improved compatibility observed in PLA/PCL blends, and the presence of a co-continuous morphology in PLA/PEG blends at certain Joncryl loadings. Joncryl addition also decreased the crystallinity of PCL and PEG in the blends. The thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the blends were shown to be dependent on the Joncryl concentration.
Article
Polymer Science
Senthamil Selvi Poongavanam, Vishnupriya Subramaniyan, Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu, Jayaramudu Jarugala, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: In this study, it was found that using bio-nanocomposite films containing 8% cellulose nanocrystals can extend the shelf life of Sapota fruits. The combination of these films with ajwain essential oil and oregano essential oil showed the best results, serving as suitable alternatives to commercial fungicides.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Senthamil Selvi Poongavanam, Vishnupriya Subramaniyan, Abhishek Biswal Rajendra, Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu, Jayaramudu Jarugala, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: The effect of three different treatments on sapota fruits was compared in this study. The results showed that AV 100%+5 mu L AO and AV 100%+5 mu L OO treatments could prolong the shelf life and preserve the quality of sapota fruits. Therefore, using these treatments for sapota fruits could be a promising alternative to commercial fungicides.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan, Natarajan Sisubalan, Kokkarachedu Varaprasad, Radhamanohar Aepuru, Murali M. Yallapu, Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan, Umaralikhan, Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: This study synthesized Cs/Ni/NiO hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) using an inexpensive chemical synthesis method and characterized their properties. The HNPs exhibited significant bactericidal and cytotoxic effects against pathogenic bacteria and carcinoma cells, while showing good biocompatibility towards normal cells.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jagan Mohan Dodda, Tomas Remis, Sadiku Rotimi, Yi-Cheun Yeh
Summary: This article provides an overview of PLGA-based conjugates in cancer research, focusing on their roles as targeted drug carriers and sustained drug controllers. The preparation and drug encapsulation of PLGA nanoparticles and FA-PEG-PLGA conjugates are discussed, with emphasis on the associated chemistries and biocompatibility. This review offers a deeper understanding of PLGA-conjugated materials for successful material design and biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natarajan Sisubalan, Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan, Venugopal Senthil Kumar, Kokkarachedu Varaprasad, Abdulrahman Syed Ahamed Haja Hameed, Ramar Vanajothi, Rotimi Sadiku
Summary: This study focused on the development of CeO2-based nanomaterials to combat antibiotic resistance, with BCO showing the highest antibacterial potential. The reduced particle size of BCO facilitated penetration into bacterial membranes, achieving complete inhibition at 1000μg mL(-1) and 1500μg mL(-1) for S. mutans and S. aureus, respectively.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.