Article
Polymer Science
Benjama Meethaworn, Suthon Srivaro, Sureurg Khongtong
Summary: This study investigated a densified wood adhesive joint and found that the treated wood had improved joint performance, with higher shear strength compared to the original wood. The shear strength of the joint also increased with an increase in the density of the densified wood.
Article
Forestry
Meihong Liu, Shaoyi Lyu, Limin Peng, Zhengqiang Fan, Liping Cai, Zhenhua Huang, Jianxiong Lyu
Summary: The commercial applications of endangered wood species for string instrument fretboards have been limited. However, radiata pine modified by furfuryl alcohol shows comparable properties to tropical hardwood species commonly used for fretboards. This study proposes performance indicators to evaluate modified wood samples with different FA concentrations for fretboard material selection. Only the 70% FA modified wood meets the requirements for mechanical and sound vibration properties of fretboard wood, but it has drawbacks of high brittleness and low bending strength.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adam Czajka, Steven P. Armes
Summary: The study investigated the aqueous emulsion polymerization of TFEMA using persulfate initiation and monitored the particle size evolution using SAXS and DLS. Well-defined spherical latexes were formed under different conditions, with significant differences observed between surfactant-free and SDS formulations. Comparable polymerization kinetics were observed for in situ SAXS experiments and laboratory-scale syntheses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Junrou Huang, Nabil Ramlawi, Grant S. Sheridan, Chen Chen, Randy H. Ewoldt, Paul V. Braun, Christopher M. Evans
Summary: Polymer membranes are commonly used in passive separations with lower energy consumption compared to distillation. Glassy materials are usually chosen for gas separations due to their sensitivity to size differences, while rubbers are used for liquid separations due to solubility differences. In this study, vitrimers (dynamic polymer networks with associative bond exchange) were synthesized with boronic ester crosslinks and different dynamic bond densities, and the diffusion of a large aromatic dye was measured. The results showed that the dynamic bond exchange, accelerated by neighboring nitrogen groups, enhanced penetrant transport by more than 1 order of magnitude. These findings provide a general route for designing polymer membranes with selectivity through dense crosslinking and dynamic covalent chemistry.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Franz Segovia, Pierre Blanchet, Abdessamad Jiloul
Summary: Recent studies have shown that wood impregnation can significantly increase the dowel-bearing strength of black spruce wood. This study improves the mechanical performance of black spruce wood through impregnation, resulting in increased dowel-bearing strength and stiffness. Although the increase obtained is lower compared to previous studies, the use of shorter vacuum time and lower temperature polymerization brings the process closer to industrial application.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tiantian Yang, Haomin Zhong, Chuang Xu, Dan Luo, Changtong Mei
Summary: In order to improve the hydrophobicity, dimensional stability and mechanical properties of fast-growing poplar wood, wood-polymer composites (WDPF) were fabricated by introducing furfuryl alcohol (FA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into wood cells after delignification. The results showed that delignification increased wood porosity and facilitated polymer impregnation and distribution. The introduction of hydrophobic FA and PVA reduced water accommodation and hindered wood-water interaction, resulting in enhanced hydrophobicity and dimensional stability. WDPF exhibited improved flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact toughness compared to furfurylated wood. The mechanical property improvement was attributed to the interaction between PVA and FA, as well as the delignification process. The fabrication and mechanism analysis of WDPF can serve as a reference for upgrading low-quality wood products.
Review
Polymer Science
Karol Tutek, Anna Masek, Anna Kosmalska, Stefan Cichosz
Summary: This article reviews the use of fluids under supercritical conditions in processes related to the modern and innovative polymer industry. The focus is on extraction, micronization, particle formation, and encapsulation, emphasizing the importance of ecological and efficient processes. Advanced technological solutions using less toxic fluids under supercritical conditions are becoming more prevalent in the chemical industry, creating new opportunities for materials with specialized applications.
Article
Forestry
Yuan Zhang, Xiaoqian Bi, Ping Li, Yiqiang Wu, Guangming Yuan, Xianjun Li, Yingfeng Zuo
Summary: The study demonstrates that sodium silicate/magnesium chloride-modified fir can effectively improve the physical and mechanical properties of fir wood, thus alleviating the difference between wood supply and demand.
WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sanjit Dey, Rajkumar Misra, Abhijith Saseendran, Saikat Pahan, Hosahudya N. Gopi
Summary: Short alpha,gamma-hybrid tripeptide sequences can form stable helical structures even in the presence of amino acids favoring beta-sheets, and their hybrid helix can coordinate with metal ions to form selective metallogels. X-ray diffraction analysis of peptide single crystals obtained from the gel matrix shows that the helical structure is maintained during the self-assembly process, and a 3D helical crystalline coordination polymer with permanent porosity can be generated by varying the counter anion.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
You Kun Fan, Shao Min Feng, Xi Liang Liu, Kai Qi Li, Yi Hong Bao, Yi Liang Bao, Long Chen, Dong Liang Chen, Cheng Dong Xiong
Summary: A novel method was proposed to combine iodine atoms with polymers, resulting in high level X-ray opacity. The structure and X-ray developing ability of the polymers were characterized, and the degradability of the polymer was also proved.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Istie Rahayu, Esti Prihatini, Rohmat Ismail, Wayan Darmawan, Lina Karlinasari, Gilang Dwi Laksono
Summary: Impregnation of jabon wood with Fe solution followed by treatment with either NaOH or NH4OH significantly impacts the density and dimensional stability of the wood. NaOH treatment results in higher polymer weight gain, while NH4OH treatment leads to higher anti-swelling efficiency. The density and bulking effect of the wood increase, with a decrease in water uptake.
Article
Plant Sciences
Liselotte De Ligne, Joris Van Acker, Jan M. Baetens, Salah Omar, Bernard De Baets, Lisbeth G. Thygesen, Jan Van den Bulcke, Emil E. Thybring
Summary: Moisture performance is crucial for the resistance of wood-based building materials against fungal decay. This study examines the impact of additives, manufacturing process, and material structure on water absorption and desorption behavior using three techniques. Results show that hydrophobic properties achieved through thermal treatment or additives significantly affect water absorption and desorption rates. Additionally, pore distributions and manufacturing process play a crucial role in the amount and rate of absorption and desorption. Understanding the influence of different material characteristics can help tailor moisture performance and increase the service life of wood-based materials.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Umut T. Sanli, Tobias Messer, Markus Weigand, Lars Lotgering, Gisela Schutz, Martin Wegener, Christian Kern, Kahraman Keskinbora
Summary: This study successfully fabricated X-ray optics with higher resolution using a custom-built 3D laser lithography system and verified it through microscopy imaging. This is of significant importance for high-resolution X-ray microscopy and has the potential to reduce the manufacturing cost of X-ray lenses.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Pierre Kibleur, Jan Aelterman, Matthieu N. Boone, Jan Van den Bulcke, Joris Van Acker
Summary: Natural fiber composites and fiberboards are important components of a sustainable economy, but their complex structures and mechanical behaviors pose challenges in identifying and analyzing the fibers. In this study, deep learning algorithms were used to separate and measure individual wood fibers, achieving unprecedented accuracy and providing a milestone for designing more realistic material models and improving wood-based products.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abris Adam Bendes, Petri Kursula, Inari Kursula
Summary: Apicomplexan parasites rely on the glideosome for motility and host cell invasion; actin filament capping proteins (CPs) play a crucial role in regulating actin dynamics; this study presents the crystal structure of CP from the malaria parasite and reveals differences compared to canonical heterodimers.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Khallouqi, A. Halimi, O. El Rhazouani
Summary: A pediatric head phantom made of epoxy resin was used to evaluate radiation exposure in CT scans. The phantom demonstrated dosimetric properties comparable to commercially available phantoms, making it a practical and economical option for assessing radiation dose in children.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Y. Shoeib, Doaa A. Ahmed, A. F. Abd-Elraheem
Summary: The research aims to measure and analyze the levels of radon concentration, radium concentration, and radon exhalation rates in geopolymer cement mixes, and assess their impact on indoor air quality. Results indicate that geopolymer cement materials are safe for use in construction, except for specific mixes.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. J. Leotlela
Summary: This article presents the results of radiochemical events/processes that occur when water is exposed to ionising radiation of charged particles (beta and alpha-particles). The idea of cogeneration becomes even more lucrative if we consider that hydrogen energy generation is clean (also known as green energy) because of its insignificant contribution to environmental pollution. These results supplement the fluctuation in effective dose theory/hypothesis of a previous study on time-dependent variations in the radiological health impact of an interim SNFS facility presented in 2021 (Leotlela, 2021).
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vyacheslav Ivanovich Pavlenko, Roman Vladimirovich Sidelnikov, Vitaly Valerievich Kashibadze, Mikhail Igorevich Dobynde, Dmitry Alexandrovich Kartashov, Vyacheslav Alexandrovich Shurshakov
Summary: This work explores the possibility of using a polymer composite to protect against neutron radiation in space conditions. The study shows that the proposed polymer composite has high structural properties necessary for use in space. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the neutron radiation passage through the material. The results demonstrate that the protective layer made of the polymer composite is thinner and more suitable for spacecraft, which is crucial due to limited space on board.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Islam G. Alhindawy, M. I. Sayyed, Dalal Abdullah Aloraini, Aljawhara H. Almuqrin, Mohammad S. Alomar, Gaber A. Elawadi, K. A. Mahmoud
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Neodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate and lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate on the structural and radiation shielding properties of zircon mineral, and a new La/Nb-doped ZrO2 nanocomposite was fabricated. Experimental techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction pattern were used to analyze the structure and composition of the fabricated nanocomposites. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to evaluate the gamma-ray shielding properties. The results showed that the fabricated composites had good shielding characteristics, with a shielding capacity of 30-50% compared to pure lead in the intermediate energy range of 0.244-2.506 MeV.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hassan Salah, Mohammed Alkhorayef, Layal Jambi, Mohammed Almuwanis, Abdelmoneim Sulieman
Summary: Cardiovascular nuclear medicine imaging examinations expose patients to high doses of ionizing radiation. This study assessed the radiation doses and public exposure in cardiac rest and stress SPECT scans. The effective dose from cardiac stress was higher than previous studies, which may be influenced by clinical indication imaging protocols and radiation safety measures.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leandro Barbosa da Silveira Gatto, Delson Braz, Leonardo Pacifico, Paulo Travassos, Luis Alexandre Goncalves Magalhaes
Summary: This study evaluated the mean glandular dose (MGD) in mammography using a computed radiography (CR) system with a solid-state detector. Irradiations and simulations were conducted to determine the MGD and spectra for the same conditions. The results showed that the glandular dose was below the acceptable levels and the spectra were mostly in accordance with the literature.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mawya Khafaji, Rashid Barnawi, Salma Amoudi, Hassan Gabbani, Rayan Alhazmi, Rayan Ahyad, Khalid Alsafi, Khuld Saeedi, Hassan Salah, Nissren Tamam, David Bradley, Sarah Albahiti, Abdelmoneim Sulieman
Summary: This study aimed to calculate typical values for common pediatric studies at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and compare them with other studies. The results showed that radiation dose levels in pediatric CT examinations were generally lower compared to other studies.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Faisal Almisned, Iskender Akkurt, Nurdan Karpuz
Summary: In this study, cross sections of medical radioisotopes were calculated using level density models. The results were compared with experimental data and it was found that the GSM level density models generally yielded consistent conclusions.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shokufeh Saeid, Neda Mollakhalili-meybodi, Fateme Akrami Mohajeri, Farzan Madadizadeh, Elham Khalili Sadrabad
Summary: This study found that gamma irradiation significantly reduces the saponin and phytic acid content of quinoa. At a dose of 2.5 kGy, it can effectively reduce saponin and phytic acid without significantly damaging the antioxidant compounds.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Demeter, Ion Calina, Anca Scarisoreanu, Valentina Mitran, Marcela Popa, Anisoara Cimpean, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Marin Micutz, Elena Matei, Bogdana Mitu
Summary: Novel biocompatible composite hydrogels with good elastic and antimicrobial properties were synthesized by e-beam cross-linking using chitosan, water-soluble polymers, and silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The composite hydrogels showed high stability, absorption capability specific to infected wounds, and biocompatibility. The antimicrobial activity was influenced by the amount of AgNP and cross-linking degree, with significant inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anuor AT. Ayoub, Yushou Song, Mamoun IA. Sagiroun
Summary: This paper presents an assessment of the radiological hazard for humans from nuclear power plant effluent released into a river under normal operation scenarios. The study concludes that the radiological hazard from this effluent is minimal and within acceptable limits according to international standards. It also highlights the potential hazards related to the higher concentration of 137Cs in sediments over time.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Irabati Chakraborty, Nidhi Sinha, Bobby Antony
Summary: This article investigates the electron impact ionization of prebiotic molecules within the interstellar medium. By calculating the electron impact ionization cross section, the study provides insights into the chemistry of these molecules and their interaction with electrons, which play a vital role in the emergence of life's essential building blocks.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. V. Vishnu, Antony Joseph
Summary: This study investigated the gamma-ray shielding properties of composite materials made from natural rubber with different proportions of Barium Tungstate. The addition of Barium Tungstate significantly improved the characteristics of gamma radiation shielding. The experimental measurements showed good agreement with theoretical calculations obtained from simulation results.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Derya Mutlu, Idris Karagoz, Harun Sepetcioglu, Urkiye Akar Tarim, Orhan Gurler
Summary: This study examined the properties of epoxy composites with dendritic copper particles and found that the addition of copper particles improved the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites. The glass transition temperature of the composites could be adjusted by varying the copper particle ratio. The study also evaluated the shielding properties of epoxy-based composites against gamma radiation and found that the addition of copper particles significantly altered the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)