Nucleation and crystallization in bio-based immiscible polyester blends

Bio-based thermoplastic polyesters are highly promising materials as they combine interesting thermal and physical properties and in many cases biodegradability. However, sometimes the best property balance can only be achieved by blending in order to improve barrier properties, biodegradability or mechanical properties. Nucleation, crystallization and morphology are key factors that can dominate all these properties in crystallizable biobased polyesters. Therefore, their understanding, prediction and tailoring is essential. In this work, after a brief introduction about immiscible polymer blends, we summarize the crystallization behavior of the most important bio-based (and immiscible) polyester blends, considering examples of double-crystalline components. Even though in some specific blends (e.g., polylactide/polycaprolactone) many efforts have been made to understand the influence of blending on the nucleation, crystallization and morphology of the parent components, there are still many points that have yet to be understood. In the case of other immiscible polyester blends systems, the literature is scarce, opening up opportunities in this environmentally important research topic.The authors would like to acknowledge funding by the BIODEST project ((RISE) H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017-778092

Conducting polymer nanocomposite-based supercapacitors

The use of nanocomposites of electronically-conducting polymers for supercapacitors has increased significantly over the past years, due to their high capacitances and abilities to withstand many charge-discharge cycles. We have recently been investigating the use of nanocomposites of electronically-conducting polymers containing conducting and non-conducting nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanocrystals, for use in supercapacitors. In this contribution, we provide a summary of some of the key issues in this area of research. This discussion includes some history, fundamental concepts, the physical and chemical processes involved, and the challenges that these nanocomposite materials must overcome in order to become technologically viable. Due to space limitations, this is not a complete review of all the work that has been done in this field and we have focused on common themes that appear in the published work. Our aim is that this chapter will help readers to understand the advantages and challenges involved in the use of these materials in supercapacitors and to identify areas for further development

Facile synthesis of polypyrrole nanofiber and its enhanced electrochemical performances in different electrolytes

A porous nanocomposite based on polypyrrole (PPy) and sodium alginate (SA) has been synthesized by easy, inexpensive, eco-friendly method. As prepared nanocomposite showed fibrillar morphology in transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. The average diameter of ~100 nm for the nanofibers was observed from scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. As prepared nanofiber, was investigated as an electrode material for supercapacitor application in different aqueous electrolyte solutions. PPy nanofiber showed enhanced electrochemical performances in 1M KCl solution as compared to 1M Na2SO4 solution. Maximum specific capacitance of 284 F/g was found for this composite in 1 M KCl electrolyte. It showed 76% specific capacitance retention after 600 cycles in 1 M KCl solution. Electrochemical Impedance Spectra showed moderate capacitive behavior of the composite in both the electrolytes. Further PPy nanofiber demonstrated higher thermal stability as compared to pure PPy

Cd-Based Metallohydrogel Composites with Graphene Oxide, MoS₂, MoSe₂, and WS₂ for Semiconducting Schottky Barrier Diodes

We have introduced an extremely low-molecular-weight organic gelator with a Cd(II) source to obtain a supramolecular Cd(II) metallohydrogel. Microstructural analysis of the gel has been performed. The mechanical property of the gel material has been scrutinized through rheological investigations. Different 2D nanostructures including graphene oxide (GO) and diverse transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) like MoS2, MoSe2, and WS2 have been exploited to get 2D nanosheet-dispersed metallohydrogels of Cd(II). Morphological variation of the Cd(II) metalloghydrogel with different 2D nanostructures has been imaged through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies. The optoelectronic properties of the metallohydrogel materials have also been explored. The conducting property of Cd(II) metallohydrogel establishes the Schottky barrier diode-type nature. This shows the applicability of a supramolecular approach of 2D nanosheets toward the formation of 2D nanostructure-based supramolecular metallohydrogel systems under ambient conditions. The dispersion of exfoliated 2D nanosheets of GO and TMDs to the supramolecular metallohydrogel has been considered as a technique to tune the electronic property and morphology of the supramolecular metallohydrogel system.

Instant Energy Stimulant Nutraceutical Cube Formulation: Low Endothermic Promoting Booster Milk Drink

The need for innovative study and formulation is praised from the claim of those occupational personnel including software Engineers, those who get tremendously tired after their office work 9:00am -05:00pm. That time tea/coffee/health drinks won't work with many pros and cons because it takes a long time to prepare and to initiate action, sometimes addiction, its lengthy preparation and blending processes and single mild stimulation drug efficiency. The method development and preparation of a formulation processing the cumulative effects of CNS stimulant, effective natural vasodilatation, energy boosting to brain, normalize function of immune system to reduce tiredness and fatigue, as brain tonic with caffeine dust, Theobroma Cacao dust, glucose/sucrose, vitamin –C, Brahmi's leaf extract respectively. These components were in the form of solid cubes formulation with dispersible deliquescent additives of sodium citrate. Thus, get soluble in a low temperature 60-70°C of Luke warm liquid medium for drinks. These low temperature instant-energy boosters take less time to prepare and avoid thermo-labile constituent's degradation. This formulation acts as multifactor benefits to the volunteers as instant stimulation and steady energy–brain tonic along with zero recurrent hangovers

Critical Analysis and Optimization of Stoichiometric Ratio of Drug-Coformer on Cocrystal Design: Molecular Docking, In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment

In this present research, an attempt has been made to address the influence of drug-coformer stoichiometric ratio on cocrystal design and its impact on improvement of solubility and dissolution, as well as bioavailability of poorly soluble telmisartan. The chemistry behind cocrystallization and the optimization of drug-coformer molar ratio were explored by the molecular docking approach, and theoretical were implemented practically to solve the solubility as well as bioavailability related issues of telmisartan. A new multicomponent solid form, i.e., cocrystal, was fabricated using different molar ratios of telmisartan and maleic acid, and characterized by SEM, DSC and XRD studies. The molecular docking study suggested that specific molar ratios of drug-coformer can successfully cluster with each other and form a specific geometry with favourable energy conformation to form cocrystals. Synthesized telmisartan-maleic acid cocrystals showed remarkable improvement in solubility and dissolution of telmisartan by 9.08-fold and 3.11-fold, respectively. A SEM study revealed the formation of cocrystals of telmisartan when treated with maleic acid. DSC and XRD studies also confirmed the conversion of crystalline telmisartan into its cocrystal state upon treating with maleic acid. Preclinical investigation revealed significant improvement in the efficacy of optimized cocrystals in terms of plasma drug concentration, indicating enhanced bioavailability through improved solubility as well as dissolution of telmisartan cocrystals. The present research concluded that molecular docking is an important path in selecting an appropriate stoichiometric ratio of telmisartan: maleic acid to form cocrystals and improve the solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of poorly soluble telmisartan