Anti-freezing hydrogel regulated by ice-structuring proteins/cellulose nanofibers system as flexible sensor for winter sports.

Conductive hydrogels are widely used as sensors in wearable devices. However, hydrogels cannot endure harsh low-temperature environments. Herein, a new regulatory system based on natural ice-structuring proteins (ISPs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) is introduced into hydrogel network consisting of chemically crosslinked network of copolymerized acrylamide and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and physically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol chains, affording an anti-freezing hydrogel with high conductivity (2.63 S/m). These hydrogels show excellent adhesion behavior to various matrices (including aluminum, glass, pigskin, and plastic). Their mechanical properties are significantly improved with the increase in CNF content (tensile strength of 106.4 kPa, elastic modulus of 133.8 kPa). In addition, ISPs inhibit the growth of ice. This endows the hydrogels with anti-freezing property and allows them to maintain satisfactory mechanical properties, conductivity and sensing properties below zero degrees. Moreover, this hydrogel shows high sensitivity to tensile and compressive deformation (GF = 5.07 at 600-800 % strain). Therefore, it can be utilized to develop strain-type pressure sensors that can be attached directly to human skin for detecting various body motions accurately, reliably, and stably. This study proposes a simple strategy to improve the anti-freezing property of hydrogels, which provides new insights for developing flexible hydrogel electronic devices for application in winter sports.

Biodegradable Polylactic Acid and Its Composites: Characteristics, Processing, and Sustainable Applications in Sports.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester polymer that is produced from renewable resources, such as corn or other carbohydrate sources. However, its poor toughness limits its commercialization. PLA composites can meet the growing performance needs of various fields, but limited research has focused on their sustainable applications in sports. This paper reviews the latest research on PLA and its composites by describing the characteristics, production, degradation process, and the latest modification methods of PLA. Then, it discusses the inherent advantages of PLA composites and expounds on different biodegradable materials and their relationship with the properties of PLA composites. Finally, the importance and application prospects of PLA composites in the field of sports are emphasized. Although PLA composites mixed with natural biomass materials have not been mass produced, they are expected to be sustainable materials used in various industries because of their simple process, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and low cost.

Informing One Health Anthrax Surveillance and Vaccination Strategy from Spatial Analysis of Anthrax in Humans and Livestock in Ha Giang Province, Vietnam (1999-2020).

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, has a nearly global distribution but is understudied in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Here, we used historical data from 1999 to 2020 in Ha Giang, a province in northern Vietnam. The objectives were to describe the spatiotemporal patterns and epidemiology of human and livestock anthrax in the province and compare livestock vaccine coverage with human and livestock anthrax incidence. Annual incidence rates (per 10,000) for humans, buffalo/cattle, and goats were used to explore anthrax patterns and for comparison with livestock annual vaccine variations. A data subset describes anthrax epidemiology in humans by gender, age, source of infection, type of anthrax, admission site, and season. Zonal statistics and SaTScan were used to identify spatial and space-time clusters of human anthrax. SaTScan revealed space-time clusters in 1999, 2004, and 2007-2008 in the province, including in the northeastern, eastern, and western areas. Most human anthrax was reported between July and October. Most patients were male, aged 15-59 years, who had handled sick animals and/or consumed contaminated meat. High case-fatality rates were reported with gastrointestinal or respiratory cases. Our data suggest that vaccination in buffalo and cattle reduces the disease burden in humans and vaccinated animals but does not reduce the incidence in unvaccinated animals (goats). This study identified spatial areas of high risk for anthrax and can inform One Health surveillance and livestock vaccination planning in contextual settings similar to Ha Giang province.

Inspired by Skeletal Muscles: Study of the Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Derived Lignocellulose-Based Carbon Fibers.

Skeletal muscles exhibit excellent properties due to their well-developed microstructures. Taking inspiration from nature that thick filaments and thin filaments are linked by "cross-bridges", leading to good stability and ion transport performance of muscles. In this work, extracted poplar lignin and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were connected by biomimetic covalent bonds, akin to biological muscle tissue, in which isophorone diisocyanate was used as the chemical crosslinking agent. Then, poplar lignin-MCC was mixed with polyacrylonitrile to serve as the precursor for electrospinning. The results show that due to the effective covalent-bond connection, the precursor fibers possess excellent morphology, smooth surface, good thermal stability, and high flexibility and toughness (average elongation-at-break is 51.84%). Therefore, after thermal stabilization and carbonization, derived lignocellulose-based carbon fibers (CFs) with a reduced cost, complete fiber morphology with a uniform diameter (0.48 ± 0.22 µm), and high graphitization degree were obtained. Finally, the electrodes fabrication and electrochemical testing were carried out. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate that the Rs and Rct values of CFs supercapacitors are 1.18 Ω and 0.14 Ω, respectively. Results of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) suggest that these CFs demonstrate great application potential in electrochemical materials.

Green and Low-Cost Natural Lignocellulosic Biomass-Based Carbon Fibers-Processing, Properties, and Applications in Sports Equipment: A Review.

At present, high-performance carbon fibers (CFs) are mainly produced from petroleum-based materials. However, the high costs and environmental problems of the production process prompted the development of new precursors from natural biopolymers. This review focuses on the latest research on the conversion of natural lignocellulosic biomass into precursor fibers and CFs. The influence of the properties, advantages, separation, and extraction of lignin and cellulose (the most abundant natural biopolymers), as well as the spinning process on the final CF performance are detailed. Recent strategies to further improve the quality of such CFs are discussed. The importance and application of CFs in sports equipment manufacturing are briefly summarized. While the large-scale production of CFs from natural lignocellulosic biomass and their applications in sports equipment have not yet been realized, CFs still provide a promising market prospect as green and low-cost materials. Further research is needed to ensure the market entry of lignocellulosic biomass-based CFs.

Visible-light-driven Z-scheme protonated g-C3N4/wood flour biochar/BiVO4 photocatalyst with biochar as charge-transfer channel for enhanced RhB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction.

For the simultaneous photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), directional charge-transfer channels and efficient separation of photogenerated holes and electrons are important. Herein, a Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, protonated g-C3N4/BiVO4 decorated with wood flour biochar (pCN/WFB/BiVO4), was prepared through a hydrothermal reaction and electrostatic self-assembly for Cr(VI) photoreduction and RhB photodegradation. The morphological features, crystalline structure, chemical composition, optical properties, specific surface area, and photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared samples were investigated. The pCN/WFB/BiVO4 photocatalyst exhibited superior removal performance when used to remove Cr(VI) and RhB separately or RhB-Cr(VI) system. The biochar bridge served as a charge-transfer channel between two semiconductors, and the electrons in protonated g-C3N4 (pCN) and BiVO4 achieved a charge balance. This led to the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction, fast photogenerated charge separation, and a powerful redox ability. The pCN/WFB/BiVO4 photocatalyst provides new insight into the mechanisms responsible for boosting multicomponent photocatalytic reactions, while constituting a promising candidate for wastewater treatment.

Recycling Carbon Fiber from Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer and Its Reuse in Photocatalysis: A Review.

Driven by various environmental and economic factors, it is emerging to adopt an efficient and sustainable strategy to recycle carbon fibers (rCFs) from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wastes and reuse them in high-value applications. This review summarized the latest progress of CFRP waste recycling methods (including mechanical, chemical, and thermal methods), discussed their advantages and disadvantages, influence parameters and possible environmental effects, and their potential effects on the mechanical and surface chemical properties of rCFs. In addition, the latest optimization schemes of leading recycling technologies were detailed. According to the literature, CFs are the key points in the structural support of semiconductor-based recyclable photocatalytic systems and the enhancement of performance, which means that rCFs have high reuse potential in sustainable photocatalysis. Therefore, this paper also emphasized the possibility and potential value of reusing recovered fibers for developing recyclable photocatalytic products, which may be a new way of reuse in environmental purification often ignored by researchers and decision-makers in the field of CFs.

Properties of Stone Matrix Asphalt Modified with Polyvinyl Chloride and Nano Silica.

In this study, the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nano silica (NS) as modifiers on the properties of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) were studied. The experiment was performed with five modes: 1% NS was mixed into SMA; 5% PVC was mixed into SMA; and the ratio of NS was changed (1, 2, and 3%) with 5% PVC being mixed into SMA. The properties of modified and unmodified SMA materials were determined and compared by performing the penetration test, softening points test, viscosity measurements, dynamic shear rheometry, and multiple stress creep recovery under aging conditions. Moreover, the properties of the modified SMA were also determined in terms of Marshall stability, water stability, and rutting resistance. The obtained results indicate that the physical properties of SMA materials could be significantly improved by using a combination of PVC and NS as a modifier. Moreover, the SMA mixtures modified with PVC and NS exhibited high Marshall stability, good moisture damage resistance, and rutting resistance. Modified SMA mixtures with 5% PVC and 1% NS exhibited the best quality. This research has opened up a new avenue for the development of effective additives for SMA materials.

Improvement of the Weather Resistance of a Selective Laser-Sintered Copolyester-Limestone Composite Using UV-326 and UV-328.

A copolyester-limestone composite fabricated with selective laser sintering technology is a potential material for the repair of ancient brick structures damaged by the sun and rain, however the weather resistance of this material must be improved. Herein, UV-236 and UV-328 were employed as UV stabilizers and added into the composite. The results show that the addition of UV-326 and UV-328 effectively inhibited the degradation of CH and ester groups and the formation of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. Thus, the stabilizers significantly reduced the color change and decline in mechanical properties of the composite under sun and rain conditions. The proposed strategy can be used for the repair of damaged precious brick buildings.

Environment-friendly wood fibre composite with high bonding strength and water resistance.

With the growing depletion of wood-based materials and concerns over emissions of formaldehyde from traditional wood fibre composites, there is a desire for environment-friendly binders. Herein, we report a green wood fibre composite with specific bonding strength and water resistance that is superior to a commercial system by using wood fibres and chitosan-based adhesives. When the mass ratio of solid content in the adhesive and absolute dry wood fibres was 3%, the bonding strength and water resistance of the wood fibre composite reached the optimal level, which was significantly improved over that of wood fibre composites without adhesive and completely met the requirements of the Chinese national standard GB/T 11718-2009. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations revealed that the excellent performance of the binder might partly be due to the amide linkages and hydrogen bonding between wood fibres and the chitosan-based adhesive. We believe that this strategy could open new insights into the design of environment-friendly wood fibre composites with high bonding strength and water resistance for multifunctional applications.