Organophosphorus Reinforced Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposites Doped with Silver-Loaded Zeolite L Nanoparticles as Sustainable Materials for Packaging Applications

The sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame-retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles

Recent Progress in Synthesis and Application of Nanosized and Hierarchical Mordenite—A Short Review

Gefördert durch den Publikationsfonds der Universität Kasse

Benzene Oxidation over Pt Loaded on Fly Ash Zeolite X

Gefördert durch den Publikationsfonds der Universität Kasse

Ion-Exchanged Clinoptilolite as a Substrate for Space Farming

Clinoptilolite, with its structural peculiarities (ion-exchange and adsorbent properties), is an excellent candidate for direct use and various modifications. In this study, we explored the effect of ion exchange and the particle size of clinoptilolite on Raphanus sativus seed germination, plant growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants. Plants were grown, for three consecutive runs, on non-modified clinoptilolite, 0.9–2.5 mm (C-2.5) and 2.5–5.0 mm (C-5.0); clinoptilolite fractions modified with ion exchange with ammonium (CNH4-2.5 and CNH4-5.0); and potassium (CK-2.5 and CK-5.0) ions. Our data revealed that ion exchange with ammonium increased water-holding capacity, while potassium exchange decreased the water-holding capacity of the substrates irrespective of their particle size. The positive effect of small fractions ion-exchanged clinoptilolite (CNH4-2.5 and CK-2.5) on seed germination, during the third run, was established. The small clinoptilolite fractions favored root crop production, particularly in CK-2.5 plants only during the first run. Substantial positive effect on the content of total carbohydrates and polyphenols especially during the third run was established in plants grown on potassium-exchanged clinoptilolite. Our findings support the future exploration of clinoptilolite as a suitable substrate for plant growth in space and ground-based facilities for space-oriented experiments

In situ and post-synthesis control of physicochemical properties of FER-type crystals

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