Two-Dimensional FTIR as a Tool to Study the Chemical Interactions within Cellulose-Ionic Liquid Solutions

In this study two-dimensional FTIR analysis was applied to understand the temperature effects on processing cellulose solutions in imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Analysis of the imidazolium ion νC2–H peak revealed hydrogen bonding within cellulose solutions to be dynamic on heating and cooling. The extent of hydrogen bonding was stronger on heating, consistent with greater ion mobility at higher temperature when the ionic liquid network structure is broken. At ambient temperatures a blue shifted νC2–H peak was indicative of greater cation-anion interactions, consistent with the ionic liquid network structure. Both cellulose and water further impact the extent of hydrogen bonding in these solutions. The FTIR spectral changes appeared gradual with temperature and contrast shear induced rheology changes which were observed on heating above 70°C and cooling below 40°C. The influence of cellulose on solution viscosity was not distinguished on initial heating as the ionic liquid network structure dominates rheology behaviour. On cooling, the quantity of cellulose has a greater influence on solution rheology. Outcomes suggest processing cellulose in ionic liquids above 40°C and to reduce the impacts of cation-anion effects and enhance solubilisation, processing should be done at 70°C

Resin Distribution in Medium Density Fiberboard. Quantification of UF Resin Distribution on Blowline-and Dry-Blended MDF Fiber and Panels

A novel technique has been developed for visualizing urea formaldehyde (UF) resin distribution on fibers and within MDF panels. A fluorescent label was chemically bound to the resin, and digital images of resinated fiber, generated via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), were analyzed. Results indicate that this technique can be used to quantify UF resin coverage and distribution as well as provide information on resin film thickness on MDF fiber before pressing and in panels. The technique can distinguish between different methods of resination and was employed to determine that these processes can result in different surface coverages of UF resin on MDF fiber. Resin injected at the end of the blowline gave significantly less resin coverage of fiber than that which was injected at the start of the blowline. UF resin droplets were also relatively thicker and less dispersed when injected at the end of the blowline. Visualization of UF resin also illustrated resin distribution changes upon pressing of fiber particularly in the presence of wax. This result has important implications for future studies targeting optimization of resin deposition, since the droplet size distribution, as applied to the fiber, may not correspond to the droplet size distribution of resin in the panel

Non-monotonic variation with salt concentration of the second virial coefficient in protein solutions

The osmotic virial coefficient $B_2$ of globular protein solutions is calculated as a function of added salt concentration at fixed pH by computer simulations of the ``primitive model''. The salt and counter-ions as well as a discrete charge pattern on the protein surface are explicitly incorporated. For parameters roughly corresponding to lysozyme, we find that $B_2$ first decreases with added salt concentration up to a threshold concentration, then increases to a maximum, and then decreases again upon further raising the ionic strength. Our studies demonstrate that the existence of a discrete charge pattern on the protein surface profoundly influences the effective interactions and that non-linear Poisson Boltzmann and Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory fail for large ionic strength. The observed non-monotonicity of $B_2$ is compared to experiments. Implications for protein crystallization are discussed.Comment: 43 pages, including 17 figure

Systematic review for non-surgical interventions for the management of late radiation proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis produces a range of clinical symptoms for which there is currently no recommended standard management. The aim of this review was to identify the various non-surgical treatment options for the management of late chronic radiation proctitis and evaluate the evidence for their efficacy. Synonyms for radiation therapy and for the spectrum of lower gastrointestinal radiation toxicity were combined in an extensive search strategy and applied to a range of databases. The included studies were those that involved interventions for the non-surgical management of late radiation proctitis. Sixty-three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, including six randomised controlled trials that described the effects of anti-inflammatory agents in combination, rectal steroids alone, rectal sucralfate, short chain fatty acid enemas and different types of thermal therapy. However, these studies could not be compared. If the management of late radiation proctitis is to become evidence based, then, in view of its episodic and variable nature, placebo controlled studies need to be conducted to clarify which therapeutic options should be recommended. From the current data, although certain interventions look promising and may be effective, one small or modest sized study, even if well-conducted, is insufficient to implement changes in practice. In order to increase recruitment to trials, a national register of cases with established late radiation toxicity would facilitate multi-centre trials with specific entry criteria, formal baseline and therapeutic assessments providing standardised outcome data

Bonding Wood Veneer with Biobased Poly(Lactic Acid) Thermoplastic Polyesters: Potential Applications for Consolidated Wood Veneer and Overlay Products

This study reports on the use of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a renewable thermoplastic adhesive for laminated panels using birch, spruce, and pine veneers. Consolidated panels were prepared from veneer and PLA foils by hot-pressing from 140 to 180 °C to achieve minimum bondline temperatures. Evaluation of panel properties revealed that the PLA-bonded panels met minimum tensile strength and internal bond strength performance criteria. However, the adhesion interface which developed within individual bondlines varied with distinctions between hardwood and softwood species and PLA grades. Birch samples developed greater bondline strength with a higher pressing temperature using semi-crystalline PLA, whereas higher temperatures produced a poorer performance with the use of amorphous PLA. Panels formed with spruce or pine veneers had lower bondline performance and were also similarly distinguished by their pressing temperature and PLA grade. Furthermore, the potential for PLA-bonded laminated panels was demonstrated by cold water soak testing. Samples exhibiting relatively greater bondline adhesion had wet tensile strength values comparable to those tested in dry state. Our study outcomes suggest the potential for PLA bonding of veneers and panel overlays with the added benefits of being renewable and a no added formaldehyde system

Determination of Resin Distribution and Coverage in MDF by Fiber Staining

A staining procedure to visualize amino-based resins on MDF fiber has been developed in which dry-blended and blowline-resinated MDF fiber can be stained and resin features on the fiber assessed by confocal microscopy and image analysis. Resin coverage and distribution results determined on stained dry-blended fiber resinated using differing spray atomization regimes were found comparable to those from fluorescently labelled UF resin. Stained blowline-resinated fiber from several MDF mills were analyzed to compare resin distributions. Differences in resin coverage and distribution were observed for changes to resin loading and for modifications to blowline and nozzle parameters. This fiber staining method has the potential to be used as a tool to assess the influence of varying MDF processing conditions for line improvements, quality control, and trouble-shooting applications

Understanding the PLA–Wood Adhesion Interface for the Development of PLA-Bonded Softwood Laminates

With polylactic acid (PLA) usage projected to increase in wood-based composite materials, a study comparing composite processing parameters with resulting PLA−wood adhesion and panel performance is warranted. In this study, PLA-softwood veneer laminates have been prepared and spatial chemical imaging via FTIR analysis was applied to identify PLA bondlines characterizing bondline thickness and the extent of PLA migration into the wood matrix. These PLA–wood adhesion interface characteristics have been compared with the performance of panels varying in pressing temperature, pressing time and PLA grades. For amorphous PLA, bondline thicknesses (60–120 μm) were similar, pressing at 140 °C or 160 °C, whereas with semi-crystalline PLA, the bondline thickness (340 μm) significantly reduced (155–240 μm) only when internal panel temperatures exceeded 140 °C during pressing. Internal temperatures also impacted PLA penetration, with greater PLA migration from bondlines evident with higher pressing temperatures and times with distinctions between PLA grades and bondline position. Performance testing revealed thinner PLA bondlines were associated with greater dry strength for both PLA grades. Cold-water soaking revealed laminated panels exhibit a range of wet-strength performance related to panel-pressing regimes with the semi-crystalline PLA pressed at 180 °C having similar tensile strength in dry and wet states. Moreover, an excellent correlation between wet-strength performance and bondline thickness and penetration values was evident for this PLA grade. Overall, study findings demonstrate PLA wood composite performance can be tuned through a combination of the PLA grade and the pressing regime employed