scholarly journals Preparation and Characterization of New Environmentally Friendly Starch-Cellulose Materials Modified with Casein or Gelatin for Agricultural Applications

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirosława Prochoń ◽  
Anna Marzec ◽  
Bolesław Szadkowski

The purpose of this work was to prepare new biodegradable starch-cellulose composites, with starch, using casein and gelatin as natural nutrients. The physico-chemical properties of the starch films and cellulose fabrics with starch coatings were studied by Fourier transformation infrared analysis, laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, swelling tests, mechanical tests, thermal analysis thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The susceptibility of the starch films to biodegradation was investigated, together with their resistance to thermo-oxidative aging. As a result of the formation of the starch films, both the casein and gelatin macromolecules were able to interact directly with the starch matrix and the fractions of unbranched amylose and branched amylopectin it contained. This interaction was visible as changes in the absorption bands of the polar groups, as revealed by infrared analysis. Spectral analysis of the cellulose fabrics coated with starch films suggests that hydrogen bridges formed between the micelles of long cellulose filaments and the micro and macro-fibers of the starch pectins. An applicative test revealed that when used as a covering for bean cultivation the cellulose-starch composites act as a fertilizing component, contributing to significantly improved growth of Phaseolus vulgaris in comparison to the use of unmodified cellulose.

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1498
Author(s):  
Miroslawa Prochon ◽  
Anna Marzec ◽  
Oleksandra Dzeikala

Buffing Dust Collagen (BDC) is a hazardous waste product of chromium tanning bovine hides. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BDC has the desirable properties required of modern fillers. The microstructural properties of BDC were characterized by elemental analysis (N, Cr2O3) of dry residue and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The BDC was applied (5 to 30 parts by weight) to styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), obtaining SBR-BDC composites. The physicochemical properties of the SBR-BDC composites were examined by Fourier transform infrared analysis, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, swelling tests, mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The biodegradability of the SBR-BDC composites and their thermo-oxidative aging were also investigated. The filler contributed to increase the cross-link density in the elastomer structure, as evidenced by enhanced mechanical strength. The introduction of a filler into the elastomer structure resulted in an increase in the efficiency of polymer bonding, which was manifested by more favorable rheological and mechanical parameters. It also influenced the formation of stable interfacial bonds between the individual components in the polymer matrix, which in turn reduced the release of compact chromium in the BDC filler. This was shown by the absorption bands for polar groups in the infrared analysis and by imaging of the vulcanization process.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrica Stasi ◽  
Antonella Giuri ◽  
Francesca Ferrari ◽  
Vincenza Armenise ◽  
Silvia Colella ◽  
...  

The aim of this work is the development and characterization of biodegradable thermoplastic recycled carbon ashes/maize starch (TPAS) composite films for agricultural applications. A proper plasticizer, that is, glycerol, was added to a commercial maize starch in an amount of 35 wt.%. Carbon-based ashes were produced by the biomass pyro-gasification plant CMD ECO 20, starting from lignocellulosic wastes. The ashes were added to glycerol and maize native starch at different amounts ranging from 7 wt.% to 21 wt.%. The composite was mixed at 130 °C for 10 min and then molded. The effect of the different amounts of carbon based ashes on the thermal and physical-mechanical properties of the composite was assessed by using several techniques, such as rheology, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), moisture absorption, degradation and mechanical tests. The presence of the carbon waste ashes allows to improve thermal and durability performances of the thermoplastic starch (TPS) films. It reduces the water absorption of starch matrix and strongly decreases the deterioration of starch, independently from fillers amount, enhancing the lifetime of the TPS films in outdoor conditions. In addition, the waste carbon ashes/maize starch films present an advantage in comparison to those of neat starch; it can biodegrade, releasing the plant nutrients contained in the ashes into the soil. In conclusion, this approach for recycling carbon waste ashes increases the efficiency of industrial waste management, along with a reduction of its impact on the environment.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1824
Author(s):  
Katia Rubini ◽  
Elisa Boanini ◽  
Silvia Parmeggiani ◽  
Adriana Bigi

In this paper we used curcumin as a functionalizing agent of gelatin films with the aim to get antioxidant materials with modulated physico-chemical properties. To this aim, we prepared gelatin films at different contents of curcumin up to about 1.2 wt%. The as-prepared films, as well as glutaraldehyde crosslinked films, were submitted to several tests: swelling, water solubility, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, mechanical tests and curcumin release. The radical scavenging activity of the as-prepared films is similar to that of free curcumin, indicating remarkable antioxidant properties. All the other tested properties vary as a function of curcumin content and/or the presence of the crosslinking agent. In particular, the films exhibit sustained curcumin release in different solvents. Thanks to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and lack of antigenicity, gelatin uses span from food processing to packaging and biomaterials. It follows that the modulated properties exhibited by the functionalized materials developed in this work can be usefully employed in different application fields.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1767
Author(s):  
Diana C. M. Ribeiro ◽  
Rafael C. Rebelo ◽  
Francesco De Bon ◽  
Jorge F. J. Coelho ◽  
Arménio C. Serra

Due to environmental concerns, more attention has been given to the development of bio-based materials for substitution of fossil-based ones. Moreover, paper use is essential in daily routine and several applications of industrial pulp can be developed. In this study, transparent films were produced by industrial cellulose pulp solubilization in tetramethylguanidine based ionic liquids followed by its regeneration. Films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analysis (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical tests showed that films have a good elongation property, up to 50%, depending on ionic liquid incorporation. The influence of the conjugated acid and dissolution temperature on mechanical properties were evaluated. These results revealed the potential of this methodology for the preparation of new biobased films.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
Mert Akgün ◽  
İhsan Başaran ◽  
Salih C. Suner ◽  
Ayhan Oral

Abstract The main goal of this study is to prepare antibacterial poly(lactic acid) (PLA) containing cinnamaldehyde and geraniol and to evaluate the antibacterial activity and assess the changes of physical properties of the PLA films. Cinnamaldehyde- and geraniol-incorporated (10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% v/w) PLA films were prepared via solution-casting. While preparing these films, plasticizers were not added to the matrix. Antibacterial activities of these films against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated by the disk diffusion method. Thermal degradation characteristics were analyzed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), glass transition, crystallization, and melting temperatures, and enthalpies of the films were determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans. Tensile strength and elongation-at-break values of neat PLA and antibacterial-compound-containing films were evaluated and compared after the mechanical tests. Moreover, the changes in the polymer morphology were observed by SEM analysis, and opacity of the films was determined by UV-vis spectroscopy. Our results showed that both compounds provided antibacterial effect to the PLA, with cinnamaldehyde being more effective than geraniol. Moreover, plasticization effects of the compounds were confirmed by DSC analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Balakrishna Kalluraya ◽  
Kaushik B R ◽  
H M Somashekarappa

Cycloaddition reactions gained prominence in macromolecular chemistry for generating macromolecules because of high yields of these reactions, which is a key tool that drives polyaddition reactions. Cycloaddition reaction plays major role in extension of polymerisation or in other words high conversions of monomers to macromolecules of high molecular weights. Until the late 1990s, the major studies regarding cycloadditions in novel polymer synthesis were related to polyaddition reactions. Since then in the field of polymer synthesis the affirmative strengths of these cycloaddition reactions have been exhibited in multi fold polymer design and headway material architecture. Future demand exists in unlatching the capacity of these novel synthetic routes for advanced applications in catalysis, separation, optoelectronics, and analytical media. Thus, we have developed an able and productive synthetic podium for the preparation of a new class of polyimide based on the double 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of thiasydnone with bis-maleimide. This paper reports the effect of gamma irradiation on the changes in physico-chemical properties of the polyamide based thermoset synthesised by double cycloaddition approach. The thermoset synthesized by this exclusive approach were irradiated with gamma doses in the range 10- 300 kGy. The substantial effect of gamma radiation and the structural modifications induced on the thermoset have been studied as a function of dose using different characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry- thermo gravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and UV-Vis Spectroscopy.


Author(s):  
Mariane Beatriz Sordi ◽  
Ariadne Cristiane Cabral da Cruz ◽  
Águedo Aragones ◽  
Mabel Mariela Rodríguez Cordeiro ◽  
Ricardo de Souza Magini

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate degradation and biocompatibility of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) + hydroxyapatite / β-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA+HA/βTCP) scaffolds incorporating simvastatin (SIM) to verify if this biomaterial might be promising for bone tissue engineering. Samples were obtained by the solvent evaporation technique. Biphasic ceramic particles (70% HA, 30% βTCP) were added to PLGA in a ratio of 1:1. Samples with SIM received 1% (m:m) of this medication. Scaffolds were synthesized in a cylindric-shape and sterilized by ethylene oxide. For degradation analysis, samples were immersed in PBS at 37 °C under constant stirring for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Non-degraded samples were taken as reference. Mass variation, scanning electron microscopy, porosity analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were performed to evaluate physico-chemical properties. Wettability and cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility. Microscopic images revealed the presence of macro, meso, and micropores in the polymer structure with HA/βTCP particles homogeneously dispersed. Chemical and thermal analyses presented very similar results for both PLGA+HA/βTCP and PLGA+HA/βTCP+SIM. The incorporation of simvastatin improved the hydrophilicity of scaffolds. Additionally, PLGA+HA/βTCP and PLGA+HA/βTCP+SIM scaffolds were biocompatible for osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, PLGA+HA/βTCP scaffolds incorporating simvastatin presented adequate structural, chemical, thermal, and biological properties for bone tissue engineering.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-247
Author(s):  
Prabhakar Panzade ◽  
Priyanka Somani ◽  
Pavan Rathi

Background and Objective: The top approach to deliver poorly soluble drugs is the use of a highly soluble form. The present study was conducted to enhance the solubility and dissolution of a poorly aqueous soluble drug nevirapine via a pharmaceutical cocrystal. Another objective of the study was to check the potential of the nevirapine cocrystal in the dosage form. Methods: A neat and liquid assisted grinding method was employed to prepare nevirapine cocrystals in a 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometric ratio of drug:coformer by screening various coformers. The prepared cocrystals were preliminary investigated for melting point and saturation solubility. The selected cocrystal was further confirmed by Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Xray Powder Diffraction (XRPD). Further, the cocrystal was subjected to in vitro dissolution study and formulation development. Results: The cocrystal of Nevirapine (NVP) with Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) coformer prepared by neat grinding in 1:2 ratio exhibited greater solubility. The shifts in IR absorption bands, alterations in DSC thermogram, and distinct XRPD pattern showed the formation of the NVP-PABA cocrystal. Dissolution of NVP-PABA cocrystal enhanced by 38% in 0.1N HCl. Immediate release tablets of NVP-PABA cocrystal exhibited better drug release and less disintegration time. Conclusion: A remarkable increase in the solubility and dissolution of NVP was obtained through the cocrystal with PABA. The cocrystal also showed great potential in the dosage form which may provide future direction for other drugs.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Jan Honzíček ◽  
Eliška Matušková ◽  
Štěpán Voneš ◽  
Jaromír Vinklárek

This study describes the catalytic performance of an iron(III) complex bearing a phthalocyaninato-like ligand in two solvent-borne and two high-solid alkyd binders. Standardized mechanical tests revealed strong activity, which appeared in particular cases at concentrations about one order of magnitude lower than in the case of cobalt(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, widespread used in paint-producing industry. The effect of the iron(III) compound on autoxidation process, responsible for alkyd curing, was quantified by kinetic measurements by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and compared with several primary driers. Effect of the drier concentration on coloration of transparent coatings was determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy.


Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Adolfo Bucio ◽  
Rosario Moreno-Tovar ◽  
Lauro Bucio ◽  
Jessica Espinosa-Dávila ◽  
Francisco Anguebes-Franceschi

A study on the physical and mechanical properties of beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CW), paraffin wax (PW) and blends was carried out with the aim to evaluate their usefulness as coatings for cheeses. Waxes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), permeability, viscosity, flexural and tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy. Cheeses were coated with the waxes and stored for 5 weeks at 30 °C. Measured parameters were weight, moisture, occurrence and degree of fractures, and dimensional changes. The crystal phases identified by XRD for the three waxes allowed them to determine the length of alkanes and the nonlinear compounds in crystallizable forms in waxes. FTIR spectra showed absorption bands between 1800 and 800 cm−1 related to carbonyls in BW and CW. In DSC, the onset of melting temperature was 45.5 °C for BW, and >54 °C for CW and PW. Cheeses coated with BW did not show cracks after storage. Cheeses coated with CW and PW showed microcraks, and lost weight, moisture and shrunk. In the flexural and tensile tests, BW was ductile; CW and PW were brittle. BW blends with CW or PW displays a semi ductile behavior. Cheeses coated with BW blends lost less than 5% weight during storage. The best waxes were BW and the blends.


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