Lignocellulosics: Renewable Feedstock for (Tailored) Functional Materials and Nanotechnology

Lignocellulosics: Renewable Feedstock for (Tailored) Functional Materials and Nanotechnology gives a comprehensive overview of recent advances in using lignocellulosic substrates in materials science and nanotechnology. The functionalization and processing of lignocellulosics are described via a number of examples that cover films, gels, sensors, pharmaceutics and energy storage. In addition to the research related to functional cellulose nanomaterials, there has been an increased interest in research on lignin and lignocellulosics. This book explains how utilizing biomaterials as a raw material allows ambitious reconstruction of smart materials that are green and multifunctional. As lignin as a valuable material has gained a lot of attention in the last few years, shifting from purely extraction and fundamental characterization, and now also focusing on the preparation of exciting materials, such as nanoparticles, readers will find this to be a comprehensive resource on the topic

The Applicability of Cellulose - Tara Gum Composite Hydrogels as Dye Capture Adsorbents

There is a growing interest in using naturally derived materials to generate adsorbent materials that can improve water quality by removing industrially derived pollutants such as dyes. In this work, composite beads were prepared from wood-based cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and Tara gum (TG) by their co-dissolution in urea/sodium hydroxide alkaline media followed by co-regeneration in acidic media. The obtained beads were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the dye adsorption capacity was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that a 40% substitution of the CNF with TG resulted in lightweight beads with 54% less solid content that maintained similar dimensions. These beads were tested for methylene blue (MB) adsorption at varying sorbent and pollutant concentrations. Methylene blue was selected as it is a common dye used as a redox indicator for tissue staining, dairy testing, microbiology, and in the textile and leather industries. Overall, the TG-CNF composite beads showed improved performance on dye adsorption, with 39.6% more capture when compared to the neat cellulose beads. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated as 13.7 mg/g, utilizing an adsorption isotherm (2–15 ppm) fitted into the Langmuir model

Clean and reactive nanostructured cellulose surface

VK: T10402; T10413A simple, solvent-free and low cost method to activate the surface of nanofibrillated cellulose films for further functionalization is presented. The method is based on the oxidative properties of UV radiation and ozone, to effectively remove contaminants from nanocellulosic surface, which remains clean and reactive for at least a week. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. In clear contrast to previous results on nanoscaled cellulose the relative atomic concentration of non-cellulosic carbon atoms was only 4%, and water completely wetted the surface within seconds. After activation, neither chemical degradation nor morphological changes on cellulose were observed. This surface activation is essential for further functionalization of the film in dry state or nonpolar media. The surface activation was confirmed by silylation and a four times higher degree of substitution was achieved on the activated sample compared to non-activated reference film, as monitored with XPS.Peer reviewe

Understanding the current state-of-the-art of long-lasting insecticide nets and potential for sustainable alternatives

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s)Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) are widely distributed to communities where malaria is a major cause of mortality, especially to those under the age of 5 years-old. To protect people from this illness, LLINs provide physical and chemical barriers by containing insecticides within the matrix of the polymer fibers or on the surface. Synthetic polymers including polyethylene and polyester are common material choices for these nets, and pyrethroids, along with other additives, are the insecticides of choice for this application. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of these nets on the impact of malaria is highly significant, but there is a demand for more durable nets that last longer than only a few years as the available products are rated for 2–3 years of use. Improvements in this area would increase cost effectiveness, because better durability would reduce the frequency of manufacturing and worldwide shipping. Additionally, due to the plastic fibers, the waste can build quickly, damaging the environment. To deal with the sustainability and durability issues, biodegradable and renewable materials should be chosen as an alternative.Peer reviewe

Otro título: Cátedra Ramiro de Maeztu

Blas Piñar. Jorge MañachMadrid, Instituto de Cultura Hispánica. Jueves, 24 de octubre a las siete y media de la tardeCinta 1: Blas Piñar, Director del Instituto de Cultura Hispánica, da inicio a la inauguración de los cursos de la “Cátedra Ramiro de Maeztu”, en los que se estudiarán distintos temas de la vida cultural española e iberoamericana. Continúa anunciando algunos de los cursos y personalidades que los impartirán – Min. 03.21: Toma la palabra Jorge Mañach quien pronuncia la lección inaugural de la cátedra y expone como tema principal las relaciones entre Iberoamérica, España y Portugal, así como con Estados Unidos. Destaca el pensamiento crítico y político estadounidense y su influencia en Iberoamérica. -- Cinta 2: Continúa la conferencia, exponiendo las numerosas características comunes que existen entre los americanos del norte y del sur como la psicología histórica colectiva o la afinidad de intenciones históricas, que ha permitido crear formas semejantes de actitud ante la vida. La cultura latinoamericana tiende a orientarse hacia lo terrenal y humano