Structural and optical property studies on Fe doped CuO nanoparticles

The Cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures and Fe doped CuO nanomaterials are synthesized by microwave irradiation method. The effect of Fe doping on the crystal structure, band gap and optical properties of synthesized samples were characterized by using x-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, photoluminescence spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. X-ray diffraction study confirms the size of the particle in nanometer. The optical band gap calculated from UV–Vis absorption spectrum, reveals the change in band gap energy due to the presence of dopants. The photoluminescence spectrum suggests that Fe doped CuO nanoparticles may be used in optoelectronic devices. The functional group analysis carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the substitution of Fe in the samples.

Identification of Corrosion Minerals Using Shortwave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

In this study, we propose a new method to identify corrosion minerals in carbon steel using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the shortwave infrared range (900–1700 nm). Seven samples were artificially corroded using a neutral salt spray test and examined using a hyperspectral camera. A normalized cross-correlation algorithm is used to identify four different corrosion minerals (goethite, magnetite, lepidocrocite and hematite), using reference spectra. A Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) analysis of the scraped corrosion powders was used as a ground truth to validate the results obtained by the hyperspectral camera. This comparison shows that the HSI technique effectively detects the dominant mineral present in the samples. In addition, HSI can also accurately predict the changes in mineral composition that occur over time.

Preparation and Characterization of Starch Active Interface Calcium Carbonate for Biodegration

Calcium carbonate is so hard to be further developed in polymer applications because it is difficult to combine with other materials. Starch-coated calcium carbonate was prepared by using starch as the main modifier and sodium stearate and sodium hexametaphosphate as the auxiliary modifiers. Optimal modification conditions were tested by single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment optimization. Manifestation was evaluated with the help of Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and laser particle size analyzer and other test instruments. Results showed that a starch film was successfully coated on the surface of calcium carbonate, and the edges and corners of the modified coated calcium carbonate were passivated, and the particles were rounded. The active interface calcium carbonate has a broad application prospect in the field of degradable biomaterials.

The effect of Co-60 gamma rays irradiation on chemical properties of biofertilizer carrier material

This study was conducted to test the method of sterilization using autoclave and Co-60 gamma rays irradiation on chemical properties changes of biofertilizer carriers (Jasinga Latosols, Pasar Jumat Latosols, compost, Rawa Pening peat, Kalimantan peat). This research was conducted in July 2016 to April 2017 at Center for the Application of Isotopes and Radiation National Nuclear Energy Agency (PAIR BATAN) laboratory and Ilmu Tanah Sumber Daya Lahan Insitut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) laboratory. The design used in this study is completely randomized design, with seven treatment and five replications. The treatments provided include the control (without sterilization), sterilization using autoclave, and sterilization using gamma ray of Co-60 with doses of 10 kilo Gray (kGy), 20 kGy, 30 kGy, 40 kGy and 50 kGy. The parameters observed in this research was available Mn2+, available Fe2+, available Zn2+, and effectiveness of sterilization method. This research also showed chemical character changes in materials as shown by Fouier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) spectra. The results showed that the methods sterilization was gave significant effect on pH changes, the levels of available P, the levels of available nitrates, available Mn2+, available Fe2+, and available Zn2+. Autoclave has led to a higher metal increase compared to Co-60 gamma irradiation. A dose of 30 kGy is an effective dose to sterilize the carriers material.

Prevention of Postsurgical Abdominal Adhesion Using Electrospun TPU Nanofibers in Rat Model

Intra-abdominal adhesions following surgery are a challenging problem in surgical practice. This study fabricated different thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibers with different average diameters using the electrospinning method. The conditions were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) analysis. A static tensile test was applied using a strength testing device to assess the mechanical properties of the electrospun scaffolds. By changing the effective electrospinning parameters, the best quality of nanofibers could be achieved with the lowest bead numbers. The electrospun nanofibers were evaluated in vivo using a rat cecal abrasion model. The macroscopic evaluation and the microscopic study, including the degree of adhesion and inflammation, were investigated after three and five weeks. The resultant electrospun TPU nanofibers had diameters ranging from about 200 to 1000 nm. The diameters and morphology of the nanofibers were significantly affected by the concentration of polymer. Uniform TPU nanofibers without beads could be prepared by electrospinning through reasonable control of the process concentration. These nanofibers’ biodegradability and antibacterial properties were investigated by weight loss measurement and microdilution methods, respectively. The purpose of this study was to provide electrospun nanofibers having biodegradability and antibacterial properties that prevent any adhesions or inflammation after pelvic and abdominal surgeries. The in vivo experiments revealed that electrospun TPU nanofibers reduced the degree of abdominal adhesions. The histopathological study confirmed only a small extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in the 8% and 10% TPU. Conclusively, nanofibers containing 8% TPU significantly decreased the incidence and severity of postsurgical adhesions, and it is expected to be used in clinical applications in the future.