The Dependence of the XRD Morphology of Some Bionanocomposites on the Silicate Treatment

The degree of intercalation of the polyvinyl alcohol-starch blend with the layered silicate is increased if the silicates is untreated or intercalated with ammonium ions that contain small radicals. If untreated silicate like NaMMT is used, it is possible to obtain exfoliated-intercalated nanocomposites. The materials based on PVOH, starch, and Nanocor I 28, Nanocor I 33, or Cloisite 15 A can be intercalated nanocomposites. If the blend of PVOH and starch is reinforced with Cloisite 93 A, microcomposites can result. The study will continue with the analysis of the new morphologies considering the transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Mapping social vulnerability to floods. A comprehensive framework using a vulnerability index approach and PCA analysis

In recent years, the analysis of social vulnerability to floods became an integrated part of the flood risk management process, the strategies and policies developed focusing on risk reduction methods that increase the resilience of vulnerable communities. Therefore, reliable and robust social vulnerability approaches are needed, which is also highlighted by the increasing socio-economic growth and climate change related effects that can lead to unpredictable consequences. The use of vulnerability indices is the most widespread methodology that allows the identification of the most vulnerable communities and the understanding of the factors that increase vulnerability to floods. However, due to the lack of a standard procedure, the existing studies are often characterized by uncertainties related to subjective selection of indicators, lack of inclusion of all vulnerability dimensions, equal or subjective weighting methods, and reduced number of variables due to data unavailability. The present paper is addressing these gaps by developing a comprehensive methodology approach which: includes a large set of indicators that are selected considering the local socio-economic context, includes the hazard dimension in the analysis considering flood related variables, and applies objective weighting methods based on the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. Furthermore, flood vulnerability maps are developed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, to provide a rapid and easy way to identify highly vulnerable areas. The results showed that the integration of statistical methods and GIS tools in the social vulnerability index construction provides a better understanding of the factors that increase the social vulnerability and offers an overview of the mitigation and adaptation measures that must be implemented by authorities in order to improve the flood risk management

Storage time evaluation of a residue from wine industry as a microencapsulated corrosion inhibitor for 1 M HCl

The effect of a residue from wine industry was investigated as a corrosion inhibitor for API P110 steel in hydrochloric acid. The extract was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and chromatography. The influence of temperature (303–333 K) and grape peel extract concentration were studied using gravimetric and electrochemical experiments. The coupon surfaces were evaluated using microscopy techniques, FTIR-ATR and the contact angle. The by-product exhibited high weight loss efficiencies at 303 K with 4.0 g/L of the extract (83.81%) even after storage. The inhibition increased with the addition of an inorganic enhancer, indicating a synergistic effect between the active compounds and maximum efficiency of 94.48%. Polarization tests indicated that the inhibitor adsorbs on anodic and cathodic regions. The surface characterization techniques confirmed the formation of an organic film and a less attacked surface was observed for the inhibited system