Bioactive enhancement of PVA films through CNC reinforcement and Ficus auriculata fruit extract: A novel synthesis for sustainable applications.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have received immense interest lately as a potential nanomaterial because of their excellent mechanical and biological properties. This investigation aims to formulate a composite coating made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), CNCs, and a methanolic extract from the dried leaves and fruit of the fig tree (Ficus auriculata) (FAE). A sequential procedure to get CNCs included alkaline and acid hydrolysis, sonication, and suitable methods for purification. Analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the CNC-loaded films. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of composites revealed superior thermal stability of the CNC-reinforced films versus control, evident from higher degradation temperatures, indicating desirable environmental resistance of proposed coatings for wood surfaces. The termite control was made more effective through synergistic use of a combination of CNCs, PVA, and FAE with proven insecticidal properties. The composite material was examined for its anti-termite resistance and termite mortality rate, and demonstrated that when used together, CNCs, PVA, and FAE were collectively and synergistically more effective at keeping termites away. The findings of this study demonstrate that the evolved composite could be used to develop anti-termite products that are environmentally benign and respond well. Synthesized composites also demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Among all films, a combination of 0.7 % extract in PVA displayed excellent results with 26 and 28 mm diameter for growth inhibition zone for Gram-positive bacteria whereas 26 mm for both negative bacterial strains. The findings suggest a potential use of this composite as a sustainable, environmentally resistant, and eco-friendly alternative for termite/bacterial control in various building materials and wood preservation applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acid-Responsive Luminescent Fe(II) Metallopolymers of Rigid and Flexible Backbone N-Donor Multidentate Conjugated Ligands.

In this report we have disclosed the syntheses and properties of two new conjugated organic moieties bearing the same coordination sites but possessing different backbone rigidities and rotational flexibilities. Two new metallopolymers have been synthesized from the corresponding ligands under identical reaction conditions, and they have been thoroughly characterized through different techniques to understand the effect of backbone rigidity on the evolution of different properties in these metallopolymers. A FESEM micrograph of the rigid metallopolymer confirms the formation of a rigid nanorod type structure, while long agglomerated nanofiber strands are visible on the substrate in the case of the flexible analogue. All of the newly synthesized materials are fluorescence active. An Fe(II) metallopolymer of the flexible ligand showed huge changes in emission properties in the presence of different acids and showed a possibility of it being used as a thin film acid vapor sensor. All of the materials showed reversible electrochemical activity, and both of these polymers have shown electroluminescence when an appropriate potential is applied.