On the Combined Effect of Both the Reinforcement and a Waste Based Interfacial Modifier on the Matrix Glass Transition in iPP/a-PP-pPBMA/Mica Composites

This work deals with the changes of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer in polypropylene/mica composites due to the combined and synergistic effect of the reinforcement and the interfacial modifier. In our case, we studied the effect on Tg of platy mica and an interfacial modifier with p-phenylen-bis-maleamic acid (pPBMA) grafted groups onto atactic polypropylene (aPP-pPBMA). This one contains 5.0 × 10−4 g·mol−1 (15% w/w) grafted pPBMA and was previously obtained by the author’s labs by using industrial polymerization wastes (aPP). The objective of the article must be perceived as two-fold. On one hand, the determination of the changes in the glass transition temperature of the isotactic polypropylene phase (iPP) due to both the reinforcement and the agent as determined form the damp factor in DMA analysis. On the other hand, forecasting the variation of this parameter (Tg) as a function of both the interfacial agent and reinforcement content. For such purposes, and by assuming the complex character of the iPP/aPP-pPBMA/Mica system, wherein interaction between the components will define the final behaviour, a Box–Wilson experimental design considering the amount of mica particles and of interface agent as the independent variables, and the Tg as the dependent one, has been used. By taking in mind that the glass transition is a design threshold for the ultimate properties of parts based in this type of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, the final purpose of the work is the prediction and interpretation of the effect of both variables on this key parameter.

Maleamic Acid as an Organic Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Low-molecular-weight carbonyl-containing compounds are considered beneficial energy storage materials in alkali metal-ion/alkaline earth metal-ion secondary batteries owing to the ease of their synthesis, low cost, rapid kinetics, and high theoretical energy density. This study aims to prepare a novel carbonyl compound containing a maleamic acid (MA) backbone as a material with carbon black to a new MA anode electrode for a lithium-ion battery. MA was subjected to attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and its morphology was assessed through scanning electron microscopy, followed by differential scanning calorimetry to determine its thermal stability. Thereafter, the electrochemical properties of MA were investigated in coin cells (2032-type) containing Li metal as a reference electrode. The MA anode electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of about 685 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and a higher rate capability than that of the pristine carbon black electrode. Energy bandgap analysis, electrochemical impedance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that MA significantly reduces cell impedance by reforming its chemical structure into new nitrogen-based highly ionic diffusion compounds. This combination of a new MA anode electrode with MA and carbon black can increase the performance of the lithium-ion battery, and MA majorly outweighs transitional carbon black.

Biodegradation of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol by Cupriavidus sp. DT-1 in liquid and soil enviroments

The bactrial strain Cupriavidus sp. DT-1 can degrade 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) and transform it into 2-hydroxypyridine (2-HP). This is a unique degradation pathway of TCP but incomplete. In the present study, strain DT-1 could degrade 2-HP at a high concentration 500 mg/L and use it as sole carbon source for growth. Three metabolites (nicotine blue, maleamic acid and fumaric acid) were detected in the medium and the complete degradation pathway of TCP was derived. Inoculation of TCP-contaminated soils with strain DT-1 resulted in a degradation rate 94.4% and 86.7% as compared to 20.4% and 28.4% in uninoculated soils, respectively. Fluorescent marker gene gfp was introduced into strain DT-1 and a new strain DT-1- gfp was created, viability test showed the strain could survive well in soils for more than 35 d. This finding suggests that strain DT-1 has potential for use in bioremediation of TCP-contaminated environments.

N-[2-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]maleamic acid: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis

The title molecule, C11H8F3NO3, adopts a cis configuration across the –C=C– double bond in the side chain and the dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and side chain is 47.35 (1)°. The –COOH group adopts a syn conformation (O=C—O—H = 0°), unlike the anti conformation observed in related maleamic acids. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds are connected via N—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...O interactions into (100) sheets, which are cross-linked by another C—H...O interaction to result in a three-dimensional network. The Hirshfeld surface fingerprint plots show that the highest contribution to surface contacts arises from O...H/H...O contacts (26.5%) followed by H...F/F...H (23.4%) and H...H (17.3%).

Novel Electro Polymerization Method to Synthesized Anti-corrosion Coated Layer on Stainless Steel Surface from (N-Benzothiazolyl Maleamic Acid) and Study its Biological Activity

Electro polymerization of N-benzothiazolyl maleamic acid (NBM) was carried out on stainless steel plate electrode in a protic medium of monomer aqueous solution using electrochemical oxidation procedure in electrochemical cell.Spectroscopic characterization techniques were investigated to obtain information about the chemical structure of polymer. The anti-corrosion action of polymer was investigated on stainless steel by electrochemical polarization method. In addition, the effect of adding nanomaterial (TiO2, ZnO (bulk-nano)) to monomer solution on the corrosion behavior of stainless steel was investigated. The results obtained showed that the corrosion rate of S-steel increased with temperature increase from 293K to 323K and the values of inhibition efficiency by coating polymer increase with nanomaterial addition. Apparent energies of activation have been calculated for the corrosion process of S-steel in acidic medium before and after polymeric coating. Furthermore were studied the effect of the preparing polymer on some strain of bacteria.