Investigation on the Effect of Hyperbranched Polyester Grafted Graphene Oxide on the Crystallization Behaviors of β-Nucleated Isotactic Polypropylene

In this article, hyperbranched polyester grafted graphene oxide (GO) was successfully prepared. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for its characterizations. On the other hand, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) were also performed to study its influences on non-isothermal crystallization behaviors of β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (β-iPP). The grafting ratios of hyperbranched polyester with different supermolecular structures were calculated to be 19.8–24.0 wt %, which increase with the degree of branching. The results showed that the grafting of hyperbranched polyester was advantageous in increasing the crystallization peak temperature Tp and decreasing the crystallization activation energy ΔE of β-iPP/GO composites, which contributed to the iPP’s crystallization process. Moreover, under all cooling rates (2, 5, 10, 20, 40 °C/min), crystallinities of β-iPP/GO were greatly improved after being grafted with hyperbranched polyester, because of the increase of the relative contents of α-phase αc and the average α-crystal sizes.

Download Full-text

Reduced Graphene Oxide–Epoxy Grafted Poly(Styrene-Co-Acrylate) Composites for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings9100666 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 666

Author(s):

Xinchuan Fan ◽

Yue Hu ◽

Yijun Zhang ◽

Jiachen Lu ◽

Xiaofeng Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Graphene Oxide ◽

Reduced Graphene Oxide ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Corrosion Properties ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Reduced Graphene ◽

Scanning Electron

Reduced graphene oxide–epoxy grafted poly(styrene-co-acrylate) composites (GESA) were prepared by anchoring different amount of epoxy modified poly(styrene-co-acrylate) (EPSA) onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets through π–π electrostatic attraction. The GESA composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The anti-corrosion properties of rGO/EPSA composites were evaluated by electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in hydroxyl-polyacrylate coating, and the results revealed that the corrosion rate was decreased from 3.509 × 10−1 to 1.394 × 10−6 mm/a.

Download Full-text

Crystallization Process and Microstructural Evolution of Melt Spun Al-RE-Ni-(Cu) Ribbons

Metals ◽

10.3390/met10040443 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 443

Author(s):

Francisco G. Cuevas ◽

Sergio Lozano-Perez ◽

Rosa María Aranda ◽

Raquel Astacio

Keyword(s):

Crystallization Process ◽

Primary Crystallization ◽

Amorphous Structure ◽

Intermetallic Phases ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Melt Spun ◽

The Stability

The crystallization process, both at the initial and subsequent stages, of amorphous Al88-RE4-Ni8 alloys (RE = Y, Sm and Ce) has been studied. Additionally, the consequences of adding 1 at.% Cu replacing Ni or Al were studied. The stability of the amorphous structure in melt spun ribbons was thermally studied by differential scanning calorimetry, with Ce alloys being the most stable. The effect of Cu to reduce the nanocrystal size during primary crystallization was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. This latter technique and x-ray diffraction showed the formation of intermetallic phases at higher temperatures. A clear difference was observed for the Ce alloy, with a simpler sequence involving the presence of Al3Ni and Al11Ce3. However, for the Y and Sm alloys, a more complex evolution involving metastable ternary phases before Al19RE5Ni3 appears, takes place. The shape of the intermetallics changes from equiaxial in the Ce alloys to elongate for Y and Sm, with longer particles for Sm and, in general, when Cu is added to the alloy.

Download Full-text

EFFECT OF GRAPHITE PRECURSOR ON OXIDATION DEGREE, HYDROPHILICITY AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF GRAPHENE OXIDE

NANO ◽

10.1142/s1793292014500374 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 09 (03) ◽

pp. 1450037 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

XUEBING HU ◽

YUN YU ◽

JIANER ZHOU ◽

LIXIN SONG

Keyword(s):

Graphene Oxide ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Structural Disorder ◽

Expandable Graphite ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Oxidation Degree ◽

Water Contact ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Modified Hummers Method

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted much attention as a derivative of graphene. In addition, it appears to have many unique physicochemical properties and has been investigated widely in many areas. Herein, we prepare GOs using flake graphite (FG), expandable graphite (EG) and microcrystalline graphite (MG) as graphite precursors by the modified Hummers method. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy, we characterize the component, the functional group, the chemical state of the element and the structural disorder of the obtained GOs to reveal their oxidation degree. Besides, we evaluate the hydrophilicity of the obtained GOs with the water contact angle, and observe their microstructures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We find that the GO prepared with EG has a higher-degree oxidation and better hydrophilicity, and it will be exfoliated easily and forms a monolayer or quasi-monolayer structure. Finally, based on the structural characteristic of graphite precursor, we build the intercalation and oxidation model to illuminate the phenomenon.

Download Full-text

α-Cellulose Fibers of Paper-Waste Origin Surface-Modified with Fe3O4 and Thiolated-Chitosan for Efficacious Immobilization of Laccase

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13040581 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 581

Author(s):

Gajanan S. Ghodake ◽

Surendra K. Shinde ◽

Ganesh D. Saratale ◽

Rijuta G. Saratale ◽

Min Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Enzyme Immobilization ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Cellulose Fibers ◽

Relative Activity ◽

Significant Activity ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Laccase Immobilization ◽

Surface Modified

The utilization of waste-paper-biomass for extraction of important α-cellulose biopolymer, and modification of extracted α-cellulose for application in enzyme immobilization can be extremely vital for green circular bio-economy. Thus, in this study, α-cellulose fibers were super-magnetized (Fe3O4), grafted with chitosan (CTNs), and thiol (-SH) modified for laccase immobilization. The developed material was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), HR-TEM energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HR-TEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. Laccase immobilized on α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs (α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase) gave significant activity recovery (99.16%) and laccase loading potential (169.36 mg/g). The α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase displayed excellent stabilities for temperature, pH, and storage time. The α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase applied in repeated cycles shown remarkable consistency of activity retention for 10 cycles. After the 10th cycle, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs possessed 80.65% relative activity. Furthermore, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase shown excellent degradation of pharmaceutical contaminant sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The SMX degradation by α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase was found optimum at incubation time (20 h), pH (3), temperatures (30 °C), and shaking conditions (200 rpm). Finally, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase gave repeated degradation of SMX. Thus, this study presents a novel, waste-derived, highly capable, and super-magnetic nanocomposite for enzyme immobilization applications.

Download Full-text

Surface Stoichiometry and Depth Profile of Tix-CuyNz Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14123191 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 3191

Author(s):

Arun Kumar Mukhopadhyay ◽

Avishek Roy ◽

Gourab Bhattacharjee ◽

Sadhan Chandra Das ◽

Abhijit Majumdar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetron Sputtering ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Film Surface ◽

Grazing Incidence ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Relative Composition ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Deposited Film ◽

Deposited Films

We report the surface stoichiometry of Tix-CuyNz thin film as a function of film depth. Films are deposited by high power impulse (HiPIMS) and DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS). The composition of Ti, Cu, and N in the deposited film is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At a larger depth, the relative composition of Cu and Ti in the film is increased compared to the surface. The amount of adventitious carbon which is present on the film surface strongly decreases with film depth. Deposited films also contain a significant amount of oxygen whose origin is not fully clear. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) shows a Cu3N phase on the surface, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates a polycrystalline structure and the presence of a Ti3CuN phase.

Download Full-text

Effects of Sintering Temperature on Densification, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Based Alloy by High-Velocity Compaction

Metals ◽

10.3390/met11020218 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 218

Author(s):

Xianjie Yuan ◽

Xuanhui Qu ◽

Haiqing Yin ◽

Zaiqiang Feng ◽

Mingqi Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

High Velocity ◽

Sintered Density ◽

Sintering Temperature ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

High Velocity Compaction ◽

Sintered Temperature

This present work investigates the effects of sintering temperature on densification, mechanical properties and microstructure of Al-based alloy pressed by high-velocity compaction. The green samples were heated under the flow of high pure (99.99 wt%) N2. The heating rate was 4 °C/min before 315 °C. For reducing the residual stress, the samples were isothermally held for one h. Then, the specimens were respectively heated at the rate of 10 °C/min to the temperature between 540 °C and 700 °C, held for one h, and then furnace-cooled to the room temperature. Results indicate that when the sintered temperature was 640 °C, both the sintered density and mechanical properties was optimum. Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray diffraction of sintered samples, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscope were used to analyse the microstructure and phases.

Download Full-text

Synthesis of Ce1−xPdxO2−δ Solid Solution in Molten Nitrate

Catalysts ◽

10.3390/catal10060640 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 640

Author(s):

Hideaki Sasaki ◽

Keisuke Sakamoto ◽

Masami Mori ◽

Tatsuaki Sakamoto

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Solid Solution ◽

Solid Solutions ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Synthesis Method ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Co Precipitation ◽

Ionic States

CeO2-based solid solutions in which Pd partially substitutes for Ce attract considerable attention, owing to their high catalytic performances. In this study, the solid solution (Ce1−xPdxO2−δ) with a high Pd content (x ~ 0.2) was synthesized through co-precipitation under oxidative conditions using molten nitrate, and its structure and thermal decomposition were examined. The characteristics of the solid solution, such as the change in a lattice constant, inhibition of sintering, and ionic states, were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM−EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)−EDS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesis method proposed in this study appears suitable for the easy preparation of CeO2 solid solutions with a high Pd content.

Download Full-text

Aluminum Nitride-Silicon Carbide Alloy Crystals Grown on SiC Substrates by Sublimation

MRS Internet Journal of Nitride Semiconductor Research ◽

10.1557/s1092578300000569 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Z. Gu ◽

L. Du ◽

J.H. Edgar ◽

E.A. Payzant ◽

L. Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Original Source ◽

X Ray ◽

Alloy Crystal ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Crystal Substrate ◽

Vapor Distribution ◽

Uniform Composition

AlN-SiC alloy crystals, with a thickness greater than 500 µm, were grown on 4H- and 6H-SiC substrates from a mixture of AlN and SiC powders by the sublimation-recondensation method at 1860-1990 °C. On-axis SiC substrates produced a rough surface covered with hexagonal grains, while 6H- and 4H- off-axis SiC substrates with different miscut angles (8° or 3.68°) formed a relatively smooth surface with terraces and steps. The substrate misorientation ensured that the AlN-SiC alloy crystals grew two dimensionally as identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the AlN-SiC alloys had the wurtzite structure. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated that the resultant alloy crystals had non-stoichiometric ratios of Al:N and Si:C and a uniform composition throughout the alloy crystal from the interface to the surface. The composition ratio of Al:Si of the alloy crystals changed with the growth temperature, and differed from the original source composition, which was consistent with the results predicted by thermodynamic calculation of the solid-vapor distribution of each element. XPS detected the bonding between Si-C, Si-N, Si-O for the Si 2p spectra. The dislocation density decreased with the growth, which was lower than 106 cm−2 at the alloy surface, more than two orders of magnitude lower compared to regions close to the crystal/substrate interface, as determined by TEM.

Download Full-text

Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Fe3O4/Graphene Aerogels for the Removal of Arsenic Ions from Water

Journal of Nanomaterials ◽

10.1155/2015/864864 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Yan Ye ◽

Da Yin ◽

Bin Wang ◽

Qingwen Zhang

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

3D Structure ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Graphene Aerogels ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Removal Of Arsenic

We report the synthesis of three-dimensional Fe3O4/graphene aerogels (GAs) and their application for the removal of arsenic (As) ions from water. The morphology and properties of Fe3O4/GAs have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum inference device. The 3D nanostructure shows that iron oxide nanoparticles are decorated on graphene with an interconnected network structure. It is found that Fe3O4/GAs own a capacity of As(V) ions adsorption up to 40.048 mg/g due to their remarkable 3D structure and existence of magnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles for separation. The adsorption isotherm matches well with the Langmuir model and kinetic analysis suggests that the adsorption process is pseudo-second-ordered. In addition to the excellent adsorption capability, Fe3O4/GAs can be easily and effectively separated from water, indicating potential applications in water treatment.

Download Full-text

FeYO3@rGO nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization and application in photooxidative degradation of atrazine under visible light

Materials Express ◽

10.1166/mex.2021.1957 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 706-716

Author(s):

Nada D. Al-Khthami ◽

Tariq Altalhi ◽

Mohammed Alsawat ◽

Mohamed S. Amin ◽

Yousef G. Alghamdi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visible Light ◽

Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽

Sol Gel ◽

Bandgap Energy ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

X Ray ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Reduced Graphene ◽

Structural Surface ◽

Adsorption Desorption

Different organic pollutants have been remediated photo catalytically by applying perovskite photocatalysts. Atrazine (ATR) is a pesticide commonly detected as a pollutant in drinking, surface and ground water. Herein, FeYO3@rGO heterojunction was synthesized and applied for photooxidation decomposition of ATR. First, FeYO 3nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via routine sol-gel. After that, FeYO3 NPs were successfully incorporated with different percentages (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the synthesis of novel FeYO3@rGO photocatalyst. Morphological, structural, surface, optoelectrical and optical characteristics of constructed materials were identified via X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), adsorption/desorption isotherms, diffusive reflectance (DR) spectra, and photoluminescence response (PL). Furthermore, photocatalytic achievement of the constructed materials was evaluated via photooxidative degradation of ATR. Various investigations affirmed the usefulness of rGO incorporation on the advancement of formed photocatalysts. Actually, novel nanocomposite containing rGO (15 wt.%) possessed diminished bandgap energy, as well as magnified visible light absorption. Furthermore, such nanocomposite presented exceptional photocatalytic achievement when exposed to visible light as ATR was perfectly photooxidized over finite amount (1.6 g · L-1) from the optimized photocatalyst when illuminated for 30 min. The advanced photocatalytic performance of constructed heterojunctions could be accredited mainly to depressed recombination amid induced charges. The constructed FeYO3@rGO nanocomposite is labelled as efficient photocatalyst for remediation of herbicides from aquatic environments.

Download Full-text