Effect of copper and titanium-exchanged montmorillonite nanostructures on the packaging performance of chitosan/poly-vinyl-alcohol-based active packaging nanocomposite films

In this study, CuMt and TiMt montmorillonites were produced via an ion-exchange process with Cu+ and Ti4+ ions. These nanostructured materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements and added as nanoreinforcements and active agents in chitosan (CS)/poly-vinyl-alcohol (PVOH)-based packaging films. The developed films were characterized by XRD and FTIR measurements. The antimicrobial, tensile, and oxygen/water-barrier measurements for the evaluation of the packaging performance were carried out to the obtained CS/PVOH/CuMt and CS/PVOH/TiMt films. The results of this study indicated that CS/PVOH/CuMt film is a stronger intercalated nanocomposite structure compared to the CS/PVOH/TiMt film. This fact reflected higher tensile strength and water/oxygen-barrier properties. The antibacterial activity of these films was tested against four food pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. Results showed that in most cases, the antibacterial activity was generated by the CuMt and TiMt nanostructures. Thus, both CS/PVOH/CuMt and CS/PVOH/TiMt films are nanocomposite candidates with very good perspectives for future applications on food edible active packaging. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Efficient and Rapid Photocatalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Achieved by a Phloroglucinol-Derived Microporous Polymeric Organic Framework Solid

A microporous polymeric organic framework (POF) based on phloroglucinol (phlo-POF) was for the first time evaluated on photoreduction and removal processes of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from aqueous solutions. The phlo-POF synthesis was based on reaction of phloroglucinol and terephthalaldehyde under hydrothermal conditions. Structural and chemical characterization was performed using UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), FT-infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric methods, while surface area analysis was employed to determine other physical and surface properties. Batch experiments were conducted on contaminated water to determine the rate and extent of Cr6+ removal and its immobilization by the phlo-POF material. The kinetic studies showed a rapid removal of Cr6+ ions from the water in the presence of the phlo-POF, best described by the zero-order kinetic model. The efficiency of the material with UV-C irradiation on Cr6+ reduction was compared with a well-studied material, the Degussa P-25 TiO2 catalyst, and found to be ∼200% higher. Cycle experiments verify the successful reuse of the phlo-POF photocatalyst for at least ten times for Cr6+ reduction

Feasibilty data for MAST (Movement and storytelling) trial

Data includes: Quantitative: Child outcome data from 214 four-five year olds. Data includes language, fundamental movement skills and self-regulation scores as well as binary data on gender and pupil premium status. School is denoted numerically. These data are presented in a csv file with sheet 2 defining the variables. Qualitative: This includes transcripts of interviews with five teachers who delivered MAST about how feasible it is, quotes from the thematic analysis of the interviews, and field notes from observations of each teacher. All data is anonymised. These data are presented in word documents with schools and teachers denoted numerically (e.g. teacher from site 1)

Surface decoration of carbon nanosheets with amino-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles

Carbonaceous nanosheets decorated with amino-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles have been synthesized by a direct pyrolysis of betaine at 400 °C in air, followed by a simple surface treatment with ([3-(2- aminoethylamino) propyl]trimethoxysilane under reflux conditions. Both pristine and organosilica modified carbon nanosheets (OMCNs), were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis methods. The experimental data reveal a dramatic increase in the number of radical centers on the surface of the developed OMCN hybrid. The organosilica nanoparticles, ranging in size between 3 and 15 nm, are spherical and homogenously anchored on the surface of carbon nanosheets. The formation of COSi bridges between carbon sheets and the organosilica nanoparticles has been supported by FTIR and EPR. These nanoparticles are bound to the nanosheet surface together with individual functional organosilane groups at a spacing of about 4 distance. The final hybrid is the complex nanosystem composed of 2D carbon nanosheets, spherical organosilica nanoparticles and immobilized amino organosilane molecules. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Wetting behavior of plasma treated low-k films in dHF cleans solutions

Post-ash and post-etch cleaning of low-k structures require significant wetting of their surfaces. This work focuses on the interactions between dilute HF cleaning chemistries (dHF - 1:50 to 1:1000) on porous low-k surfaces (k = 2.3) as a function of time. Wetting of these solutions was measured by a contact angle goniometer within a high humidity environment. Because ashing low-k films can change their surface chemistry and structure, the contact angles of dHF on N2/H2 and O2 ashed porous low-k films were measured as well. Ellipsometry has shown that 1:50 HF removes an ash-damaged layer from the low-k. Based on thickness loss measurements (ellipsometry and profilometry), the composition of the dilute HF droplet changes minimally as it etches the dielectric surface. Under more concentrated dHF solutions, changes in contact angle, droplet radius, and volume indicate that the droplet spreads for an initial period and then reaches a steady state, perhaps due to the creation of an etch inclusion on the surface. The steady state volume changes show volume loss rates similar to those expected from evaporation; however, the total volume losses are less than expected from only evaporative processes. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Performance of Thyme Oil@Na-Montmorillonite and Thyme Oil@Organo-Modified Montmorillonite Nanostructures on the Development of Melt-Extruded Poly-L-lactic Acid Antioxidant Active Packaging Films

Today, the use of natural biodegradable materials in the production processes is more and more adopted by industry to achieve cyclic economy targets and to improve environmental and human health indexes. Active packaging is the latest trend for food preservation. In this work, nanostructures were prepared by incorporation of thyme oil with natural natrium-montmorillonite and organo-montmorillonite with two different techniques, direct impregnation and the green evaporation–adsorption process. Such nanostructures were mixed with poly-L-lactic-acid for the first time via an extrusion molding process to develop a new packaging film. Comparisons of mor-phological, mechanical, and other basic properties for food packaging were carried out via XRD, FTIR, TG, SEM/EDS, oxygen and water vapor permeation, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity for the first time. Results showed that poly-L-lactic-acid could be modified with clays and essential oils to produce improved active packaging films. The final product exhibits food odor prevention characteristics and shelf-life extension capabilities, and it could be used for active packaging. The films based on OrgMt clay seems to be more promising, while the thyme oil addition improves their behavior as active packaging. The PLLA/3%TO@OrgMt and PLLA/5%TO@OrgMt films were qualified between the tested samples as the most promising materials for this purpose. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Novel Ordered Mesoporous Carbon with Innate Functionalities and Superior Heavy Metal Uptake

Ordered mesoporous carbons with innate carbonyl functionalities (MC-icf) have been synthesized via a nanocasting process using SBA-15 as a template and acetylenedicarboxylic acid as a carbon source, instead of the commonly used sugar. The structural, textural, and surface properties of as derived mesoporous carbon material were investigated by means of spectroscopic, microscopy, and surface physicochemical methods. The experimental results showed that the new mesoporous carbons exhibit basic structural and morphological features that resemble those of CMK-3 carbons, such as hexagonally ordered structure, high specific surface area (980 m²/g), and high mesoporosity. The pore surfaces are rich in functional moieties, such as carboxylate groups, carbonyl, and free radicals. The surface charge properties of MC-icf were studied using potentiometric acid–base titrations. A surface complexation model revealed two types of H-binding sites, each one with a different degree of accessibility by positively charged species. Heavy metal, e.g., Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺, uptake was also studied in detail at different pH values by the combination of analytical and EPR spectroscopic techniques. The data indicate an improved and selective capability for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺ uptake by the MC-icf compared with the standard CMK-3