The technique of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is widely used to generate spectral data for use in the detection of food contaminants. Monochloropropanediol (MCPD) is a refining process-induced contaminant that is found in palm-based fats and oils. In this study, a chemometric approach was used to evaluate the relationship between the FTIR spectra and the total MCPD content of a palm-based cooking oil. A total of 156 samples were used to develop partial least squares regression (PLSR), artificial neural network (nnet), average artificial neural network (avNNET), random forest (RF) and cubist models. In addition, a consensus approach was used to generate fusion result consisted from all the model mentioned above. All the models were evaluated based on validation performed using training and testing datasets. In addition, the box plot of coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), slopes and intercepts by 100 times randomization was also compared. Evaluation of performance based on the testing R2 and RMSE suggested that the cubist model predicted total MCPD content with the highest accuracy, followed by the RF, avNNET, nnet and PLSR models. The overfitting tendency was assessed based on differences in R2 and RMSE in the training and testing calibrations. The observations showed that the cubist and avNNET models possessed a certain degree of overfitting. However, the accuracy of these models in predicting the total MCPD content was high. Results of the consensus model showed that it slightly improved the accuracy of prediction as well as significantly reduced its uncertainty. The important variables derived from the cubist and RF models suggested that the wavenumbers corresponding to the MCPDs originated from the -CH=CH2 or CH=CH (990-900 cm-1) and C-Cl stretch (800-700 cm-1) regions of the FTIR spectrum data. In short, chemometrics in combination with FTIR analysis especially for the consensus model represent a potential and flexible technique for estimating the total MCPD content of refined vegetable oils.
Essential oil of Citrus family plant is known to have repellent effect against mosquito. Unfortunately, due to its high volatility effect, its repellency effect was compromised. The incorporation of essential oil in a microencapsulation formulation has been shown to help improve the stability and potency of the repellent. In this study, Citrus grandis peel oil (CGPO) was encapsulated by using the interfacial precipitation chemistry technique. The microencapsulated CGPO was then formulated into lotion form to produce topical repellent formulation. This study includes the characterization of microcapsules with regards to the morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, Fourier Transmission Infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), and Thermogravity analysis (TGA). The effectiveness of the microencapsulated CGPO-lotion formulation against mosquitoes was evaluated in the laboratory setting. Results indicated that CGPO have been successfully encapsulated with 6.5 µm in diameter and zeta potential values, -47.9 mV. The FTIR analysis spectrum indicated the presence of interaction between the wall materials in microcapsules. The TGA analysis demonstrated that microencapsulation improved the thermal stability of CGPO. Repellency assay revealed that microencapsulated CGPO- based formulation possessed excellent effect compared with pure CGPO. In conclusion, CGPO was successfully encapsulated and the microencapsulation aid to improve the repellency effect of CGPO against mosquito bites.
Structural and luminescence properties of borophosphate glasses with different modifier doped with transition metal ions have been investigated in this study. The glass sample from the series of xPb 30 4:0 .2Sb20 3:0.3B 20 3:(0 .5-x)P 20 5 and ySb 20 3:0 .2Pb 30 4:(0 .5-y)B 20 3:0 .3P 20 5where x 20 mol% and 0 y 0 .1 5mol% , respectively, were doped with 0.01 mol% of Fe 20 3 system have been prepared using the melt-quenching technique. The structural properties of samples had been studied using fourier transform infrared (FT-m) spectroscopy. The FT-IR study showed the network structure of the studied glasses based on the B 20 3-P 20 5host with the 5b203 and Pb203 modifiers. The results of FT-IR showed traces of B03 and B04 with the introduction of 5b203 and Pb203 modifiers. With the increasing content of B203 which replacing content of P205 in the glass network, the intensity of the borate band decreases and shifted to lower frequency. uv-Vis spectroscopy analysed the transition of Fe3+ from ground state to excited state in the ultraviolet spectral region. The photoluminescence of samples were studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy. The result of photoluminescence spectroscopy showed the effect of photoluminescence enhancement by doping Fe3+ as activator.
The main objectives of this work were to develop a lab-scale direct current (DC) glow discharges plasma system for modification of organic and inorganic membranes. Characteristics of plasma system were presented under the discharge of five gases (Ar, N2, air, O2, and CO2). A Langmuir double probe was used for the evaluation of the electron temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) of plasmas. The current and voltage (I-V) characteristic curves were analyzed. Relationships between breakdown voltage (VB) of gases and products of gas pressure and inter-electrode gap (pd) were studied in form of Paschen curves. The results showed that Te of plasma in various gases was in the range of 4-13 eV, while the ne varied between 108 and 109 cm-3. The plasma generated at different gas pressure and applied voltage is in the normal and abnormal modes. Finally, the constructed DC-plasma system was utilized for modification of polymeric membrane surfaces. Treatment time, discharge power and type of gas were varied. The tailoring of membrane surfaces was analyzed through the water contact angle and percent-weight loss (PWL) measurements, DMTA, AFM, XPS and FTIR spectrum. It could be shown that DC-plasma from this system can be used to modify the surface of polymeric membranes.
Nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2
) was synthesized by microwave using urea as nitrogen sources with
commercially available TiO2
-P25. The N-doped TiO2
was compared with unmodified TiO2
by carrying out the investigation
on its properties using x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transformed infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The photocatalytic activities of N-doped TiO2
and unmodified TiO2 were studied for photodegradation of reactive red 4 (RR4) under light emitting diode (LED) light
irradiation. An active photoresponse under LED light irradiation was observed from N-doped TiO2
with 60 min of time
irradiation to complete RR4 color removal while no photocatalytic degradation was observed from unmodified.
In this study, coconut leaves were used as a starting material for the production of activated carbon by thermal
carbonization using FeCl3
-activation method. The characterization of coconut leaves-FeCl3
activated carbon (FAC) were
evaluated by bulk density, ash content, moisture content, point-of-zero charge (pHpzc) analysis, iodine test, scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and elemental (CHNS-O) analysis. The effect of the adsorbent
dosage (0.02-0.25 g), initial pH (3-11), initial dye concentrations (30-350 mg/L) and contact time (1-180 min) on the
adsorption of the methylene blue (MB) at 303 K was performed via batch experiments. The Pseudo-Second Order (PSO)
describes the kinetic model well whereas the Langmuir isotherm proved that adsorption behavior at equilibrium with
maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 66.00 mg/g.
Nowadays, the current synthesis techniques used in industrial production of nanoparticles have been generally regarded as nonenvironmentally friendly. Consequently, the biosynthesis approach has been proposed as an alternative to reduce the usage of hazardous chemical compounds and harsh reaction conditions in the production of nanoparticles. In this work, pure, iron (Fe)-doped and silver (Ag)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through the green route using Clitoria ternatea Linn. The optical, chemical, and physical properties of the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were then analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), zeta potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and surface analysis. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were crystallized with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and possessed smaller particle sizes than those of commercially or chemically produced samples. The existence of biomolecules to act as reducing and stabilizing agents from C. ternatea Linn aqueous extract was confirmed using FTIR analysis. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles mainly comprised of negatively charged groups and responsible for moderately stable dispersion of the nanoparticles. All these properties were favorable for the sonocatalytic degradation of Congo red. Sonocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles was studied through the degradation of 10 mg/L Congo red using ultrasonic irradiation at 45 kHz and 80 W. The results showed that the sonocatalytic degradation efficiency of Congo red in the presence of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles prepared at 50 °C for 1 h could achieve 88.76% after 1 h. The sonocatalytic degradation efficiency of Congo red in the presence of Ag-doped ZnO was accelerated to 94.42% after 10 min which might be related to the smallest band gap energy (3.02 eV) and the highest specific surface area (10.31 m2/g) as well as pore volume (0.0781 cm3/g). Lastly, the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles especially Ag-doped ZnO offered significant antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli which indicated its ability to inhibit the normal growth and replication of bacterial cells. These results affirmed that the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles could be used as an alternative to the current chemical compounds and showed a superior sonocatalytic activity toward degradation of Congo red.
Nanosilica particles were utilized as secondary reinforcement to enhance the strength of the epoxy resin matrix. Thin glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates of 3 ± 0.25 mm were developed with E-Glass mats of 610 GSM and LY556 epoxy resin. Nanosilica fillers were mixed with epoxy resin in the order of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt% through mechanical stirring followed by an ultrasonication method. Thereafter, the damage was induced on toughened laminates through low-velocity drop weight impact tests and the induced damage was assessed through an image analysis tool. The residual compression strength of the impacted laminates was assessed through compression after impact (CAI) experiments. Laminates with nanosilica as secondary reinforcement exhibited enhanced compression strength, stiffness, and damage suppression. Results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that physical toughening mechanisms enhanced the strength of the nanoparticle-reinforced composite. Failure analysis of the damaged area through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced the presence of key toughening mechanisms like damage containment through micro-cracks, enhanced fiber-matrix bonding, and load transfer.
Photovoltaic module backsheets are characterized according to their thermal, optical, mechanical, and technical properties. This work introduces new fabricated backsheets for PV modules using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with short sugar palm fiber (SSPF) composites. The preparation of composites undergoes multiple phases of fabrication. Thermal, optical, and technical investigations of their properties were conducted. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, in-situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and prolonged technical testing were accomplished to expansively understand the complex behavior of composites under various conditions. The optical properties of PV backsheets are critical components in determining the reflectance, absorbance, and transmittance of light. The PVDF-SSPF composites exhibited exceptional compatibility and thermal stability, further revealing a homogenous composite structure with enhanced interfacial bonding between the short fiber and polymer matrix.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins is an important bioprocess method to prepare bioactive peptides with many functionality and health benefits. The aims of the present work were to prepare and determine the physicochemical characteristics of gelatine hydrolysate from skin of shortfin scad (SSGH) via hydrolysis using alcalase. Analyses on chemical composition, molecular weight by SDS PAGE, protein concentration, amino acid composition, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic features, and solubility of SSGH were thus performed. The yield of SSGH obtained was 51.01% (d.b.). The chemical compositions of SSGH for moisture, protein, fat, and ash were 13.82%, 90.05%, 1.95%, and 12.48%, respectively. SSGH showed low molecular weight (
We demonstrate the preparation of nanostructures cobalt oxide/reduced graphene oxide (Co3O4/rGO) nanocomposites by a simple one-step cost-effective hydrothermal technique for possible electrode materials in supercapacitor application. The X-ray diffraction patterns were employed to confirm the nanocomposite crystal system of Co3O4/rGO by demonstrating the existence of normal cubic spinel structure of Co3O4 in the matrix of Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite. FTIR and FT-Raman studies manifested the structural behaviour and quality of prepared Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite. The optical properties of the nanocomposite Co3O4/rGO have been investigated by UV absorption spectra. The SEM/TEM images showed that the Co3O4 nanoparticles in the Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites were covered over the surface of the rGO sheets. The electrical properties were analyzed in terms of real and imaginary permittivity, dielectric loss and AC conductivity. The electrocatalytic activities of synthesized Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites were determined by cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge cycle to evaluate the supercapacitive performance. The specific capacitance of 754 Fg-1 was recorded for Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite based electrode in three electrode cell system. The electrode material exhibited an acceptable capability and excellent long-term cyclic stability by maintaining 96% after 1000 continuous cycles. These results showed that the prepared sample could be an ideal candidate for high-energy application as electrode materials. The synthesized Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite is a versatile material and can be used in various application such as fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, gas sensors, solar cells, and photocatalysis.
This present research aims to synthesize and investigate the adsorption potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) impregnated with iron oxide (Fe3O4) for dye removal. The surface morphology and functional groups of the newly developed adsorbent (ISCB) were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The effects of the operating parameters, including initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial pH of the dye solution on the adsorption efficiency were investigated to identify an optimal condition. The characterization of SEM-EDX and FTIR analyses shows that ISCB has a porous structure and carbon-containing functional groups. The adsorption result revealed that ISCB removed 93.7% of dye, 88.8% of color and had a dye adsorption capacity of 7.2 mg/g within 6 h of contact time using 0.7 g/L of ISCB at pH 8.4. The result obtained fitted well for Langmuir isotherms, and adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In conclusion, this study proved that ISCB has the potential to be used as an effective and low-cost adsorbent to remove dyes from wastewater.
Titanate compounds was synthesized using hydrothermal method at various temperature (100, 150, 200, and 250 °C) for 24 hours. As-synthesized titanate was characterized using FTIR, XRD and nitrogen gas adsorption. FTIR spectra was scanned from 4000 to 400 cm-1 using Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 FTIR spectrophotometer. XRD diffractogram was performed by using Rigaku Miniflex (II) X-ray diffractometer operating at a scanning rate of 2.00° min-1. The diffraction spectra were recorded at the diffraction angle, 2θ from 10° to 80° at room temperature. Nitrogen gas adsorption analysis was studied by using Micromeritics ASAP2020 (Alaska) to determine the surface area and pores size distribution. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption was measured at 77 K (temperature of liquid nitrogen) and the samples were degassed in a vacuum at 110 °C under nitrogen flow for overnight prior to analysis.
New compound, namely (Z)-1-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]thiosemicarbazide was successfully synthesized using thiosemicarbazide with 4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzaldehyde in ethanol solution. The data presented in this articles is related to our research articles entitled "Crystal Structure of (Z)-1-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]thiosemicarbazide" (Osman et al., 2017) [1]. This work shows the continue data from experimental spectroscopic measurement which are Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR). Assessment on the correlation with theoretical computational data was also carried out through GaussView 5.0.9 and Gaussian09 software. Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) and Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital-Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO-LUMO) were also illustrated.
Various types of activated carbon nanofibers' (ACNFs) composites have been extensively studied and reported recently due to their extraordinary properties and applications. This study reports the fabrication and assessments of ACNFs incorporated with graphene-based materials, known as gACNFs, via simple electrospinning and subsequent physical activation process. TGA analysis proved graphene-derived rice husk ashes (GRHA)/ACNFs possess twice the carbon yield and thermally stable properties compared to other samples. Raman spectra, XRD, and FTIR analyses explained the chemical structures in all resultant gACNFs samples. The SEM and EDX results revealed the average fiber diameters of the gACNFs, ranging from 250 to 400 nm, and the successful incorporation of both GRHA and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into the ACNFs' structures. The results revealed that ACNFs incorporated with GRHA possesses the highest specific surface area (SSA), of 384 m2/g, with high micropore volume, of 0.1580 cm3/g, which is up to 88% of the total pore volume. The GRHA/ACNF was found to be a better adsorbent for CH4 compared to pristine ACNFs and reduced graphene oxide (rGO/ACNF) as it showed sorption up to 66.40 mmol/g at 25 °C and 12 bar. The sorption capacity of the GRHA/ACNF was impressively higher than earlier reported studies on ACNFs and ACNF composites. Interestingly, the CH4 adsorption of all ACNF samples obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model at low pressure (4 bar), indicating the chemisorption behaviors. However, it obeyed the pseudo-first order at higher pressures (8 and 12 bar), indicating the physisorption behaviors. These results correspond to the textural properties that describe that the high adsorption capacity of CH4 at high pressure is mainly dependent upon the specific surface area (SSA), pore size distribution, and the suitable range of pore size.
This study was aimed at fabricating composites of polylactic acid (PLA) matrix-reinforced oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber filled with chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A total of 2-8 wt.% rGO/OPEFB/PLA composites were characterized for their complex permittivity using an open-ended coaxial probe (OEC) technique. The shielding efficiency properties were calculated using the measured transmission (S21) and the reflection (S11) coefficient results. All the measurements and calculations were performed in the 8-12 GHz frequency range. The morphological and microstructural study included X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the incorporation of rGO as filler into the composites enhanced their complex permittivity properties. The composites showed a total shielding efficiency (SET) of about 31.2 dB at a frequency range of 8-12 GHz, which suggests their usefulness for microwave absorption.
Biomass from oil palm frond leaves (OPFL) is an excellent reservoir of lignocellulosic material which full potential remains untapped. This study aimed to statistically optimize the covalent immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) onto a ternary support comprised of OPFL derived nanocellulose (NC) and montmorillonite (MMT) in alginate (ALG) (CRL-ALG/NC/MMT). The coarser topology and the presence of characteristic spherical globules in the field emission scanning electron micrographs and atomic force micrographs, respectively, supported the existence of CRL on ALG/NC/MMT. In addition, amide peaks at 3478 and 1640 cm-1 in the fourier transform infrared spectra affirmed that CRL was covalently bonded to ALG/NC/MMT. The optimized Taguchi Design-assisted immobilization of CRL onto ALG/NC/MMT (7 h of immobilization, 35℃, pH 5, 7 mg/mL protein loading) gave a production yield of 92.89 % of ethyl levulinate (EL), as proven by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric ([M] +m/z 144, C7H12O3), FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance (CAS-539-88-8) data. A higher optimal reaction temperature (50℃) and the reusability of CRL-ALG/NC/MMT for up to 9 esterification cycles substantiated the appreciable structural rigidification of the biocatalyst by ALG/NC/MMT, which improved the catalytic activity and thermal stability of the lipase.
Photocatalysts provide excellent potential for the full removal of organic chemical pollutants as an environmentally friendly technology. It has been noted that under UV-visible light irradiation, nanostructured semiconductor metal oxides photocatalysts can degrade different organic pollutants. The Sn6SiO8/rGO nanocomposite was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The Sn6SiO8 nanoparticles hexagonal phase was confirmed by XRD and functional groups were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The bandgap of Sn6SiO8 nanoparticles (NPs) and Sn6SiO8/GO composites were found to be 2.7 eV and 2.5 eV, respectively. SEM images of samples showed that the flakes like morphology. This Sn6SiO8/rGO nanocomposite was testing for photocatalytic dye degradation of MG under visible light illumination and excellent response for the catalysts. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to the increased light absorption, charge separation efficiency and specific surface area, proved by UV-vis DRS. Further, the radical trapping experiments revealed that holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (·O-₂) were the main active species for the degradation of MG, and a possible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed.
In this study, the mechanical and rheological properties of hybrid polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) have been investigated. For this purpose, nine different polymers-including crumb rubber, elastomers and plastomers at varying content-were studied to evaluate their mechanical performance as single polymers, first, and as a combination of two or more polymers as a hybrid polymer blend. Subsequently, the hybrid polymer blends were added in a relatively small percentage into the base bitumen to study its influence on the rheological performance of hybrid PMB. The mechanical properties identified from the analysis of the stress-strain curve of the single polymers were the Young's Modulus, tensile stress, and elongation at break. The chemical structure of the polymer hybrid blends was analysed using FTIR, followed by frequency sweep tests conducted using the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to determine the bitumen rheological properties. Results showed that hybrid PMB enhances the viscoelastic behaviour of bitumen at both low and high temperature compared to other PMBs only including single polymers.
Gellan gum incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles biofilm was synthesized and characterized using UV, FTIR and XRD to study their physical and chemical properties. The mechanical properties were measured using universal mechanical testing. Meanwhile, the biological properties were investigated towards for antibacterial and cell proliferation. This comprehensive data are relevant with the research article entitled "Gellan gum incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles biofilm as wound dressing: Physicochemical, mechanical, antibacterial properties and wound healing studies" [1].